Japan Ministry of Environment

Minister Asao's International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 Message

Japan's Ministry of the Environment issued a statement from Minister Asao Keiichiro on May 16, 2025, commemorating International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2025. The statement outlines Japan's implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including a new law to achieve the 30by30 target through certification of Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites as OECMs, and over 900 organizations having made nature-positive commitments. The statement references Japan's 6th National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2030, local biodiversity strategy support, and developing country assistance through the Japan Biodiversity Fund. The communication calls for cross-sector and cross-border cooperation but does not impose compliance obligations or deadlines.

Japan Reaffirms Net-Zero 2050 Commitment at COP30

Japan's Environment Minister ISHIHARA Hirotaka delivered a ministerial statement at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, on November 18, 2025, reaffirming Japan's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Japan submitted its new NDC aligned with the 1.5°C goal, setting targets of 60% reduction by fiscal 2035 and 73% reduction by fiscal 2040 compared to fiscal 2013 levels, having already achieved approximately 27% reductions by fiscal 2023. The statement also highlighted Japan's Green Transformation (GX) strategy targeting over 150 trillion Japanese yen in public and private investment, the Joint Crediting Mechanism partnership with 31 countries covering approximately 20% of global emissions, and various international cooperation initiatives including AZEC and JICA programs supporting decarbonization in developing countries.