There have recently been major developments in global initiatives concerning the ocean, including the UNGA Resolution on the development of an international legally-binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, and the adoption of Agenda 2030, which sets forth the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Consequently, BBNJ Preparatory Committee meetings, SDG-related meetings, and various other meetings are being held, in which the Ocean State of Japan should actively participate and respond to.
Selected Papers No.21

Remote islands on Japan's borders play an important national role in conserving the Exclusive Economic Zone. The "Act on Preservation of Areas of Remote, Inhabited Islands Establishing Territorial Seas and Maintenance of Local Societies on Areas of Specified Remote, Inhabited Islands Establishing Territorial Seas," MP sponsored legislation passed this spring, will initiate a variety of measures, based on the national administrative plan, to conserve these remote, inhabited islands on Japan's borders and maintain their local communities, thus maintaining their functions as bases for activities.

On April 1st 2016 the National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology (commonly known as the "Umi-Sora-Ken") was launched, being the result of a consolidation among the National Maritime Research Institute, the Port and Airport Research Institute, and the Electronic Navigation Institute. Along with further developing the fruits of the research carried out by the three research institutes thus far, we will work to produce substantial outcomes based on the synergy effect resulting from the consolidation, the addition of new research capabilities, and the image of the Institute as a driver of Japanese innovation.