The Comprehensive National Development Plan of 1998, the "Grand Design for the 21st Century," was the fifth such development plan in the post-war era and carried the subtitle "Promotion of Regional Independence and Creation of Beautiful National Land." In this plan, "Garden Islands" were held up as an ideal for a beautiful land and is an ideal model for Japanese scenery.

In thinking about the future relations between man and nature, I believe it is important that we re-focus our attention on the relations between man and nature on the regional level, placing more emphasis on each region's unique natural environment and their inhabitants' knowledge about nature. Also, as the relations between man and nature are multi-faceted, trans-disciplinary research from a variety of viewpoints would seem to be the most effective approach in accurately assessing the situation.

Analyzing the Micronesia Challenge from a Palau resident's point of view, behind the agreement reached by the several states I could glimpse a new model for environmental conservation in the "self-regulating mechanism" that has resulted from the shift in consciousness from victim to actor as regards environmental problems.