AP-PLAT welcomed the AHEAD50 Site Visit Program at NIES

Date 26 August 2026
Place National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Tsukuba, Japan
Organizer Ministry of the Environment, Japan

On 26 August 2026, under the ASEAN Human Resource Development Scholarship Partners Support Programme (AHEAD50) ― implemented as part of Japan-ASEAN cooperation ― six participants from the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) visited NIES. This visit formed part of a study program in Japan focusing on climate change measures and marine conservation for sustainable economic growth.

AHEAD50, or ASEAN Human Educational Development Scholarship Partners, is a program that supports human resource development in the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN-related organizations, while also promoting mutual understanding and professional networks between Japan and ASEAN.
(For further details, please visit this page: AHEAD50 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)

NIES presented research projects utilizing the Greenhouse Gas Observing Satellite (GOSAT) and the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model (AIM), and guided participants on a tour of the relevant facilities within the institute. Meanwhile, three members from the Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Research Section at the Climate Change Adaptation Center (hereinafter referred to as "CCCA") took part and introduced participants to the CCCA’s adaptation research and its support activities via two Climate Change Adaptation Information Platforms－A-PLAT and AP-PLAT.

Presentation at NIES, August 2026
Presentation at NIES, August 2026

AP-PLAT’S CONTRIBUTION

First, Researcher Dr. Hiroya Abe gave a presentation entitled “Climate Change Adaptation Research in Japan”, in which he explained that the impacts of climate change are becoming apparent across various regions and sectors within Japan, and that research projects on adaptation to address these challenges are currently underway. He also noted that, as these research projects progress, there has been an increase in case studies focusing in particular on the social implementation of adaptation measures, and highlighted that some of the future projection data and related information is being made publicly available via WebGIS.

Ms. Akiko Miyatsuka, Climate Change Adaptation Promoter, gave a presentation entitled “Climate Change Adaptation Support by CCCA: A-PLAT and AP-PLAT”, in which she explained the CCCA’s role under the Climate Change Adaptation Act of Japan and its framework for collaboration with domestic research institutions, the national government and local authorities. She also highlighted examples of key adaptation support provided through A-PLAT, with a particular focus on technical support and information contents aimed at local governments and LCCACs. Furthermore, she also outlined the objectives of AP-PLAT, which was established for promoting climate change adaptation in the Asia-Pacific region, and presented examples of cooperation with researchers and relevant organizations within the region.

Finally, Ms. Reiko Seki, Climate Change Adaptation Promoter, gave a presentation entitled “Introduction to AP-PLAT & Hands-on Experience”. The presentation covered various AP-PLAT resources, including the Climate Impact Viewer, which visualizes climate change impacts across sectors on maps; the GCF Concept Note Navigator, which supports developing countries in preparing concept notes when applying for climate finance; and the Adaptation Database. Time was also set aside for participants to try out the tools on their own computers, during which staff provided individual guidance on usage, answered questions, and offered personalized assistance to encourage the practical use of AP-PLAT resources.

Presentation at NIES, August 2026
Presentation at NIES, August 2026

DISCUSSION AND EXCHANGE

Finally, an exchange of views took place on promoting Japan–ASEAN cooperation in the field of climate and the environment. Regarding climate change adaptation, a participant from ASEAN commented that although adaptation planning in ASEAN countries is integrated into local planning rather than existing as a stand-alone policy like in Japan’s case, ASEAN countries are facing capacity challenges for adaptation, making implementation and access to climate finance increasingly important.

Furthermore, Mr. Kazumi Yoshikawa, Vice President at NIES, expressed his gratitude to the program participants and all those involved, including the Ministry of the Environment, for visiting the institute, and expressed his hope that such opportunities for exchange and cooperation will continue to benefit both ASEAN and Japan.

CCCA and AP-PLAT will continue to support such events to showcase our research and support activities and to facilitate the exchange of views. We would like to express our gratitude to all those involved for arranging the program participants’ visit to our institute.

RELATED INFORMATION

(Posted : 07/Sep/2026)

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