SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF NATIONAL PARKS WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

TOKYO, March 16 -- Ministry of the Environment issued the following news:

Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of National Parks with the U.S. Department of the Interior 1. On March 13, 2026, ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Minister of the Environment of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Douglas BURGUM, Secretary of the Interior of the U.S. Department of the Interior, signed the "Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Field of National Park".



2. Both ministries will advance comprehensive cooperation between their national parks in areas such as conservation and management of national parks as well as protection and management of wildlife, including discussions on establishing Sister Park Arrangements.

　Japan and the United States have long engaged in cooperation regarding national parks, including staff training programs and exchanges at the private sector level. To further promote cooperation in the field of national parks between Japan and the United States, ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Minister of the Environment of Japan, signed the "Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Field of National Parks," with H.E. Mr. Doulas BURGUM, Secretary of the Interior of the U.S. Department of the Interior, on the occasion of his visit to Japan.

　Japan and the United States will advance comprehensive cooperation between their national parks in areas such as conservation and management of national parks as well as protection and management of wildlife. Furthermore, regarding the Sister Park Arrangements outlined in section 4 of this Memorandum, we will proceed with careful considerations, while taking into account the views of local stakeholders, with the aim of deciding on the target national parks this year.

Date and time:

March 13, 2026 18:15-18:25 (JST)

Venue:

Residence of the U.S. Ambassador

Signed by:

ISHIHARA Hirotaka, Minister of the Environment of Japan

H.E. Mr. Douglas BURGUM, Secretary of the Interior of the U.S. Department of the Interior

Areas of cooperation:

1. Conservation and management of national parks

2. Protection and management of wildlife

3. Conservation of biodiversity

4. Recreation and ecotourism

5. Environmental education

6. Monitoring techniques and data management

7. Information dissemination

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