Publication of “Disaster Waste Management Guideline for Asia and the Pacific”

Publication of “Disaster Waste Management Guideline for Asia and the Pacific”

In order to assist countries in Asia and the Pacific where impacts of disasters are exacerbated due to urbanization and climate change, the Ministry of the Environment(MOE) pubilished a “Disaster Waste Management Guideline for Asia and the Pacific”.
The guideline compiles issues to be considered for proper, smooth and speedy treatment of disaster wastes, based on Japanese experiences in the field.

1.Background

In the “Toyama Framework on Material Cycles” adopted at the G7 Toyama Environment Ministers’ Meeting held in May 2016, G7 countries have agreed to assist countries or regions that experience siginificant disasters, such as the global hot spot regions in Asia and the Pacific. Following this agreement, MOE has conducted surveys on disaster risks and disaster waste treatment in countries including but not limited to Asia and the Pacific for identifying challenges and lessons in those countries. The newly published guideline compiles issues to be considered for proper, smooth and speedy treatment of disaster wastes, based on Japanese experiences and countries’ needs identified in those surveys.

2.Overview of the guideline

The guideline targets national and local government authorities in countries that experience siginificant disasters, for their reference in developing policies and plans for disaster waste management. It covers not only post-disaster measures for proper, smooth and speedy treatment of disaster wastes but also pre-disaster preparedness.