Outline of New Hokkaido Comprehensive Development Plan That Will Lead the Era of the Global Environment

Significance of the Plan

The fundamental role of Hokkaido development is to help address issues facing the national government by taking advantage of the resources and characteristics of Hokkaido.
Currently, we are facing rapid economic growth in East Asia, deterioration of the global environment, the possible shortage of energy resources, a decreasing and aging population, as well as a decline in the birthrate. Against this backdrop, it is important that Hokkaido contributes to the nation’s efforts to create a sustainable economy and society by making the most of its resources and characteristics since it has abundant space enabling various economic and social activities, and a rich natural environment that will undoubtedly become the most important factor in the 21st century.
As the nation’s economy and society face a major turning point and the people, sensing stagnation, understandably become increasingly anxious about the future, it is time for Hokkaido to demonstrate its frontier spirit as a trailblazer in the new age, and embark on pioneering and experimental programs in order to make our economy and society prosper. Here lies the new role of Hokkaido development.
To promote the development of Hokkaido in a manner reflecting these circumstances, strategic programs for demonstrating the comprehensive nature of policies must be devised through the cooperation of the national government, local governments, citizens, NPOs, businesses and various other entities. Amidst the trends in shifts from the national government to local governments and from public to private sectors, it is important that these entities are aware of the division of roles and responsibilities, share the vision of creating an affluent society based on Hokkaido’s regional characteristics, and execute respective programs to realize this vision. As we hosted the Hokkaido Toyako Summit and are about to demonstrate our leadership in tackling global environmental issues in the international community, this Plan was formulated as the guiding principles for promoting sustainable development in Hokkaido and contributing to the nation’s efforts in addressing the challenges it faces.