Since the International EMECS Center was established in 1994 as a private organization, it has played a leading role in promoting the preservation of enclosed coastal seas throughout the world, by sponsoring EMECS conferences and through a variety of other activities. 

    Once again I would like to express my congratulations and heartfelt joy that, through the leadership of Governor Toshitami Kaihara of Hyogo Prefecture, plans have been made to transform the Center into a foundation despite the current severe economic climate in Japan. 

    In order to enable people to live in true comfort and safety in the new century, we must protect the environment that is the foundation of their existence and pass it on to subsequent generations. This is one of the most important issues facing not only Japan but the entire world. 

    In advance of the G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit that will take place in July, a meeting of G8 Environment Ministers was held from April 7-9 in the city of Otsu in Shiga Prefecture. At this meeting, the environment ministers from the G8 nations and European Commission (EC) officials in charge of environment problems held a spirited debate on climatic changes and other major environmental problems facing the international community. The achievements of the meeting were summarized in the form of a communique. 

    At the Environment Agency of Japan, in advance of the reorganization of central government departments that will occur next January, steady progress is being made on pressing issues that include necessary measures to deal with the problem of dioxins and other chemical substances that has attracted great public concern. In addition, an Environment Ministry capable of decisive action both on the domestic and the international stage will be established to answer the people's expectations for environmental policy and to enable Japan to be a world leader in environmental awareness. 

    As the need for action on global environmental issues becomes more and more important in the new century, the efforts of the International EMECS Center, in its new incarnation as a foundation, to consolidate its position and active-ly pursue a variety of international activities are, indeed, timely and in keeping with the great expectations placed on the Center by other nations. 

    It is my sincere hope that the rebirth of the International EMECS Center as a foundation provides the opportunity for the Center's activities -- sponsoring, supporting and actively participating in EMECS and other international conferences, holding interpersonal exchanges,and collecting and disseminating information on the development of techniques and policies for environmental management -- to serve as a foundation for preserving not only the Seto Inland Sea in Japan but the Mediterranean and other beautiful seas throughout the world so they may be passed on to future generations. 

    Above all, next year -- the year in which we officially enter the 21st century -- the fifth EMECS Conference will be held once again in Japan, where the EMECS conferences first began. It will be a year to be both commemorated and celebrated as a contribution that Japan can make to the world, and for the establishment of the Environment Ministry. It will be a year which deserves our most enthusiastic support. 

    Finally, I would once again like to express my congratulations to Hyogo Prefecture, to the city of Kobe, to the relevant local governments,and to all other persons and organizations whose tireless efforts have made the establishment of the new foundation a reality, and express my wishes for the continued success of the International EMECS Center. Thank you very much.