The budding symbiosis between logistics and the environment in Yonehara" - Perspectives from around 2002
Around 2002, Japan was in the midst of a prolonged recession following the collapse of the bubble economy, and the hollowing out of industry and stagnation of regional economies were major issues. In response, the government introduced a special zone system for structural reform and attempted to promote new industries by deregulating each region. The "Special Zone for Logistics and Environmental Symbiosis (England Boat Green Special Zone)" in Maibara-cho, Shiga Prefecture, is one of the best examples.
Maibara has been a strategic transportation hub since ancient times, and by taking advantage of its location at the intersection of the Shinkansen bullet train, conventional railways, and expressways, the town aimed to strengthen its logistics base with the Maibara Cargo Terminal and Maibara Junction at its core. At the same time, the plan called for promoting the concentration of recycling-related industries to realize the formation of a recycling-oriented society from the region. By delegating regulatory authority to the municipalities, the project made it possible to flexibly develop industries on unused land, and a mechanism was put in place to support the promotion of the location of logistics and environmental industries.
At the time, the recycling industry was positioned as a growth sector from the perspective of waste treatment and resource recycling, and there were high expectations for the industry to be linked to the transportation node characteristics of Maihara. In addition to creating jobs and contributing to the circulation of the local economy, the industry was characterized by its awareness of sustainable development, based on the principle of "coexistence with the environment. The Yonehara special zone concept was more than just a logistics hub; it attracted attention as an advanced attempt by a regional city to integrate the environment and industry.
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