## (2) Promoting the use of wooden building materials

Because wood is an environmentally friendly building material due to reasons such as requiring less energy to process in comparison to other materials, and long-term utilization in various applications contributes to preventing global warming, we strive to encourage the utilization of wooden materials in public construction.

Regarding the procurement policy based on “Green Procurement,” we are actively promoting the utilization of wood derived from forest thinning, as well as wooden buildings that use regional wood materials through measures such as the formulation of systems for building wooden structures and cultivating managers for them.

Based on “the Act for Promotion of Use of Wood in Public Buildings, etc.,” the MLIT drew up the “Plan for Promotion of Use of Wood in Public Buildings, etc.” in May of 2011, and in March of 2013, we published the “State of Implementation of Measures for Promoting the Utilization of Wooden Materials in Public Buildings” under joint names with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. In addition, we compiled the technological items related to design for fireproof wooden buildings, where progress in construction is halted due to the advanced technical difficulties, and formulated the “Design Guideline for Fireproof wooden buildings in Government Buildings.” Furthermore, we are providing support for construction to large-scale wooden buildings where pioneering designs and technologies are being implemented.

## Section 3 National land development that revives and preserves the natural environment

## 1 Initiatives for preserving biodiversity

As efforts towards the Strategic Plan 2011 to 2020 (objective for the Aichi prefecture), adopted at the COP10 held in Nagoya city in Aichi prefecture in October of 2010, we are currently advancing activities for its achievement. Furthermore, the “National Biodiversity Strategy 2012 to 2020” was formulated in September of 2012, and we have decided to continue the advancement in activities for preserving, reviving and creating animal habitats in rivers, urban green lands, coastal regions and harbors.

In addition, as reference material for drawing up “Master Plan regarding Afforestation, Greening, and the Preservation of Forests and Other Green Spaces” (Master Plan for Greenery”), the master plan formulated by municipalities concerning overall greenery, we established the “Technical Considerations related to Conservation of Biodiversity in regards to the Master Plan for Parks and Open Spaces” in October of 2011. We are working to promote activities by local public organizations for the conservation of biodiversity in urban areas.

## 2 Creating rich and beautiful river environments

## (1) Creating and conserving a healthy river environment

## ① Creating a rich river environment and stimulating revival

In river development, based on the “Basic Guideline for Rich River Development (established October 2008),” we work for the conservation and restoration of animal habitats and diverse river scenery, while concurrently sustaining safety over flood control.

We are also promoting the restoration of wetlands through nature restoration projects and bettering the environment for fish climbing up or descending down river by improving fish ladders. By advancing these various activities through cooperation, we form $ ^{*} $ an ecological network and promote the conservation and revival of the river basin ecosystem.

Moreover, to effectively proceed with these activities, we are joining efforts with educated experts and various institutions, as well as utilizing research findings of government inspections of river areas and the Aqua Restoration Research Center, which has the largest experimental waterway in the world.