Upon the embodiment into national practices of the "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" framework that establishes new order in the ocean, Japan should contribute to international society through the introduction of national policy, based on the concept of ocean governance and international cooperation. For this purpose, the implementation of an integrated vision is essential.

The Japan Association for Coastal Zone Studies has completed an interim report on Japan's Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy, aimed at the unified management of our coastal resources. It is anticipated that coastal zone protection and use will be imperative in the new policy and that it should also make the most of our unique coastal regions through the formation and implementation of policy with regional authorities.

The dependence of most of our remote islands on public projects are high, and the Islands of Ogasawara are no exception. Made up of approximately 30 islands, large and small, Ogasawara also occupies one third of Japan's 200 nautical mile zone. The regional promotion of this distinguished ocean environment is very much desired.