NOWPAP Senior Coordinator, Lev Neretin, met with local authorities in the hosting NOWPAP RCU Toyama Prefecture and Toyama City. He acknowledged and expressed his strong appreciation to Toyama Prefecture Governor, Mr. Takakazu ISHII, for the continuing support to NOWPAP and interest to strengthen links between NOWPAP and Prefecture to support environmental co-operation in the region. Among the issues discussed were reduction of marine litter and stronger engagement of public and private sector in environmental activities. The visit was followed couple weeks later by the meeting with the Mayor of Toyama City, Mr. Mashashi MORI, and his staff in the Environmental Policy and Strategic Planning and Resilience Divisions. In 2008 Toyama City was selected by the national government of Japan as the first "eco-model" city in the country for its pioneering efforts in promoting low-carbon economies and society. The city is also part of several global initiatives such as Sustainable Energy for All and the Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities. Municipal officials introduced various environmental programs and activities supported by the city government. In discussions NOWPAP Coordinator emphasized common goals and interests to undertake joint activities. In this critical for NOWPAP year focusing on the development of the next medium-term strategy for 2018-2023, NOWPAP RCU will continue playing coordinating role and discussing with various stakeholders the ways to strengthen regional environmental co-operation for the protection of marine environment through stronger engagement of local authorities and public in NOWPAP activities.
Mr. Nishinaka, Director General; Lev Neretin, Senior Coordinator of NOWPAP RCU; Mr. Ito, Deputy Director General; Mr. Sekino, Manager Environmental Policy Division, City of Toyama
