Koizumi said Japan will recount its own experiences, adding that there was a time in the past when development was considered more important than protecting the environment but that the consequence was environmental pollution. Koizumi also said that Japan aims to contribute to helping Africa stand on its own feet and is hoping to support the development of the continent in fields such as agriculture and health.

Koizumi also urged five nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to work hard at publicizing Tokyo's efforts on environmental issues at the summit. The NGOs will be the first such to join a Japanese governmental delegation to an international event related to environmental conservation. Koizumi and key members of the five NGOs met at the premier's office. (Kyodo News)

Article courtesy of Japan Today: http://www.japantoday.com