The ASEAN region is experiencing destruction of forests due to drastic urbanization, development of plantations, and mineral mining, all developments of rapid economic growth. Loss of biodiversity is also accelerating, and the lack of water resources is becoming an issue.

ASEAN countries are located in the tropics and subtropical regions. Because these are the areas most affected by climate change, the countries are becoming highly vulnerable to environmental changes entailed in economic growth.

A model of “environmental recovery” particular to ASEAN can be created by combining local knowledge with the fruits of Japan’s advanced scientific and technological research, using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates the sciences and the humanities. If such a model can be achieved, it should become globally attractive because it respects a country or region’s local character.