Basic Environmental Law (Law No. 91 of 1993).

Subject

Environment gen., Sea, Water

Keyword

Framework law Basic legislation Air quality/air pollution Marine pollution Noise pollution Pollution control Soil pollution/quality Ecosystem preservation Education Environmental planning Recycling/reuse Waste management Policy/planning Freshwater pollution

Geographical area

Asia, Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Asia, North Pacific, North-West Pacific

Abstract

This Law comprises three chapters. Chapter 1 sets forth general provisions, including a statement of its goal to comprehensively and systematically promote policies for environmental conservation for present and future generations; a recognition of the delicate environmental balance of the eco-system and its finite carrying capacity; the need to reduce the environmental "load" of economic activities and to enhance scientific understanding in order to prevent interference with conservation. Three "basic principles" are spelled out in articles 3 through 5: the "enjoyment and future success of environmental blessings"; the "creation of a society ensuring sustainable development with reduced environmental load"; and "active promotion of global environmental conservation through international cooperation". The relative responsibilities of the state, local governments, corporations and individual citizens in relation to these "basic principals" and with respect to the reduction of environmental "loads" associated with their activities are articulated. Corporations must make efforts to use recyclable resources, and take steps to ensure proper disposal of wastes. Chapter 2 (arts. 14-40) deals with basic policies for environmental conservation. The Government is obligated to establish a Basic Environmental Plan outlining overall policies for conservation, which shall be subject to Cabinet approval and thereafter implemented without delay by the Prime Minister. The Government is also obligated to establish environmental quality standards for air, water, soil and noise.

Full text

English

References - Legislation

Implemented by

Environmental quality standards regarding water pollution No. 59, amended by Environment Agency Notification No. 63 of 1974, no. 3 of 1975, No. 41 of 1982, No. 140 of 1982, No. 29 of 1985 and No. 1 of 1986.

Legislation | Japan | 1971

Keyword: Effluent waste water/discharge, Freshwater pollution, Water conservation zone, Water quality standards, Priorities, Environmental standards, Basin/catchment/watershed, Pollution control, Inland waters, Standards, Protection of environment

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Amended by

Invasive Alien Species Act (No. 78 of 2004).

Legislation | Japan | 2004

Keyword: Alien species, International trade, Processing/handling, Transport/storage, Offences/penalties, Biodiversity, Ecosystem preservation

Source: FAO, FAOLEX