Osaka Bay Regeneration Action Plan - Efforts from 2003 to 2024

Osaka Bay Regeneration Action Plan - Efforts from 2003 to 2024

2003 - Start of the Plan

The Osaka Bay Regeneration Action Plan was formulated in 2003, initiating a collaboration between local coastal municipalities such as Osaka Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City, and Sakai City, along with businesses and research institutions, to improve water quality and restore the ecosystem. Initial goals included reducing BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) by 20% within five years, reducing COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) by 15%, and setting annual emission reduction targets for nitrogen and phosphorus of 500 tons and 200 tons, respectively, alongside strengthening wastewater regulations. In Kobe City Bay, the Minami Port and Maishima area, and along the Kaizuka City coast, 100,000 square meters of seagrass beds were planned for restoration over five years. Companies such as Sumitomo Chemical and Kansai Electric Power actively participated by managing wastewater and implementing technologies to reduce environmental burdens. Furthermore, a citizen-participation-based environm
ental conservation activity was established, enlisting over 3,000 volunteers annually for coastal cleanups and waste collection.

2020s - Current Progress and Achievements

As of 2024, the Osaka Bay Regeneration Action Plan has entered its third phase, with concrete results now evident. Notably, water quality improvements have been significant, with BOD levels, which averaged 3.5 mg/L in 2003, falling to 2.0 mg/L by 2023, and COD decreasing from 4.0 mg/L to 2.5 mg/L. These improvements were achieved through advanced sewage treatment facilities and stringent wastewater management by companies. Seagrass bed restoration has also progressed as planned, with 50 hectares restored by 2023, contributing to an increase in fish and crustacean populations and overall ecosystem recovery.

Corporate efforts continue to strengthen, with Kansai Electric Power installing state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facilities that have reduced nitrogen and phosphorus levels by 50%, and Sumitomo Chemical significantly reduced harmful substance emissions by revising its processes. Public participation has also grown, with over 10,000 citizens participating in cleanup and tree-planting activities in 2023, spreading environmental awareness throughout the community. In addition, local elementary and middle schools have implemented environmental education programs to pass on environmental consciousness to the next generation.

New Challenges and Future Outlook

In the 2020s, new issues such as marine pollution from microplastics and rising sea temperatures due to climate change have emerged. Addressing these challenges will require further advanced technological development and international cooperation. Building on past achievements, the Osaka Bay Regeneration Action Plan aims to pursue continuous improvements and contribute to sustainable development for both the environment and the economy.