Report on the Conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding for Joint Research and an Intellectual Information-Exchange Seminar with NIER and NIES

Both Japan and Korea heavily rely on imports for their mineral resources. This makes it crucial for both countries to enhance their efforts in securing their valuable resources by promoting resource recycling domestically. In recent years, it has become evident that many resources, including precious metals, are contained in waste that is being disposed of as final waste. Given the difficulty of constructing new final disposal facilities, extending the lifespan of such facilities is also a major challenge for both countries.
Therefore, NIES and NIER have decided to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for joint research, aiming to hold seminars and other mutual discussions to develop research that can contribute to solving the aforementioned issues. This will involve sharing and exchanging views on the issues and research being undertaken in both countries.

Mutual discussion on information exchange and joint research with the aim of providing recommendations for policy formation from the perspective of waste recycling.

1．Exchange of technical information and documents. 2．Mutual exchange of experts, educational programs, and training in the measurement, analysis, and evaluation of waste management policymaking. 3．Collaborative research and cooperation for policy making in terms of waste management. 4．Mutual visits to relevant facilities. 5．Collaborative annual report on comparison between both countries related to waste management. 6．Other activities for the cooperation on the principles of mutual benefit, equality, and reciprocity.

The study will be conducted from March 19, 2024, to March 31, 2029.
Extension beyond this period may be considered with the mutual consent of the Parties in writing.

Researchers from the NIER visited the NIES on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. On the day of the event, a tour of the Research Laboratory of Material Cycles and Waste Management was conducted to introduce the experimental plant and the research activities in preparation for future joint research. Afterwards, a commemorative photo was taken with the MOU signed by Dr. Osako, Director of the Material Cycles Division of NIES, and Dr. Tae-Wan Jeon, Director General of the Environmental Resources Research Department of NIER.
After the commemorative photo, the researchers in charge presented their research and exchanged information for future collaboration.

During the Intellectual Information-Exchange Seminar, information was shared on specific issues faced by both countries, such as the incineration of fly ash and plastic waste. It is anticipated that the two countries will continue to host seminars regularly to facilitate close information exchange, consequently leading to the initiation of specific joint research projects. Furthermore, it is hoped that this type of exchange between research institutions specializing in waste and resource recycling in countries with close geographical proximity and similar backgrounds will foster a strong cooperative relationship. This collaboration aims to generate more precise policy proposals not only domestically but also on the international stage when new issues arise in the future.

【Contact for this research】
Hirofumi Sakanakura
Material Cycles Assessment Research Section
Material Cycles Division
National Institute for Environmental Studies

【Contact for this press release】
Planning Division, Public Relations Office
National Institute for Environmental Studies
Email: kouhou0 (at) nies. go.jp