Development of Environmental Management Technology for Sustainable Utilization of Biomass Resources

The proposal by Keio University entitled "Development of Environmental Management Technology for Sustainable Utilization of Biomass Resources" has been selected by MEXT to receive initial funding for the "Asia S&T Strategic Cooperation Program" for FY2007.

This project aims to develop environmental management technology and policies that will enhance environmental resources and produce sustainable food and biomass energy while pr/en/ng degradation of such resources. The research quantitatively monitors water resources, land resources, carbon fixation, and self-cleaning function of pollution loading which are key factors of economic growth in Asia.

It is imperative for Japan and other Asian countries to establish an environmental management technology which can ensure a stable environmental energy supply. Biofuel distilled from crop is introduced globally as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is a concern about the environmental impact caused by producing biofuel, and soaring grain prices which are affecting the food market.

The collaborative research involves three countries namely China, Korea and Japan. The followings are the leading collaborative research institutions in the three countries:

• Institute of Geographic Science and National Resources Research (IGSNRR), CAS, China
• Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy (CCAP), CAS, China
• Institute of Genetic and Development Biology (IGDB), CAS, China
• Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, China
• Korea Environment Institute, Korea
• Center for Global Environmental Research (CGER), Japan
• Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan

Project Leader: Professor Watanabe, Masataka (Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)