In a statement from the Japanese government issued in advance of the Japan-Pacific Islands Forum to be held in Hokkaido in May, the Japanese government said a key negotiating point in the forum would be the formation of a Pacific environmental community dedicated toward developing a regional approach to climate change and other environmental issues.

With each country intended to be an “equal partner” in the discussion, the community pact would likely focus on developing solutions for biodiversity loss, sanitation issues, and global warming. Japan, in particular, has pledged to provide much of the technical expertise community members will need to combat rising sea levels and put in place warning systems for tsunami.

Japan hopes that the establishment of an environmental network will help to strengthen pro-Japanese sentiment in the region, as well as establish a more open dialogue between Japan and the smaller Pacific islands nations and regional powers like Australia and New Zealand. Already, Japan has hosted the chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum as a means of enhancing relations with their island neighbors.

Image: “Marine Diving” by the Marine Art Center for the Japan-Pacific Islands Forum