In March, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE) released the “Action Plan for Chemical Management to Promote Nature Positive, Ver. 1.0.” The plan recognizes biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution as interconnected global challenges, with chemical pollution identified as a key driver of biodiversity decline.
Historically, Japan’s chemical management policies have focused on protecting human health and preventing environmental contamination. However, greater attention is now being given to understanding chemical impacts on ecosystems and supporting Nature Positive outcomes—halting biodiversity loss and restoring nature.
The Action Plan outlines six strategic priorities through 2030:
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Enhanced Research and Monitoring
Expand research on emerging chemicals of concern, including PFAS and microplastics, while strengthening ecosystem monitoring through advanced tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA).
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Modernized Risk Assessment Approaches
Move beyond traditional single-substance assessments by considering combined exposures and ecosystem-wide impacts. Japan will explore advanced methodologies such as mesocosm testing, Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSD), AI-based modelling, and New Approach Methods (NAMs).
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Strengthened Chemical Management Frameworks
Promote life-cycle-based chemical management through stronger coordination across regulatory bodies. The plan also encourages the adoption of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles and enhanced disclosure aligned with frameworks such as TNFD.
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Greater Stakeholder Collaboration
Foster partnerships among governments, businesses, NGOs, researchers, and local communities while supporting citizen science initiatives, risk communication, and knowledge sharing.
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Development of Biodiversity Impact Indicators
Create indicators to measure and visualize the biodiversity benefits of effective chemical management, aligned with international frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC).
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Alignment with International and National Policies
Integrate lessons learned into global biodiversity and chemical management frameworks while ensuring domestic strategies, including Japan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Basic Environment Plan, remain aligned with evolving international commitments.
The Action Plan signals Japan’s commitment to integrating chemical management with biodiversity conservation and advancing a Nature Positive future through science-based and ecosystem-focused policy measures.
