Japanese Delegation to Learn The Three "Rs"

It's all about reducing, reusing and recycling for one group of Japanese visitors to Nova Scotia this year.

Twenty-eight scientists, academics and local government representatives arrive Tuesday, Sept. 2, to learn about solid waste-resource management. The delegation will spend four days studying Nova Scotia's system to divert waste from landfills into recycling and composting. Currently, Japan relies heavily on incineration.

"The delegation has heard about our success in encouraging recycling and composting," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash. "We're honoured to have them here and look forward to helping in any way we can."

Canada's Ambassador for the Environment, Gilbert Parent, will meet with the delegation on Tuesday and accompany the delegation on some of the tours.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the delegation," said Mr. Parent. "I welcome their interest in Nova Scotia's exemplary environmental programs and environmental technologies."

The Japanese Environmental Research Institute asked Nova Scotia Environment and Labour to organize the tour. The institute arranged for a department staff member to speak to a symposium in Tokyo in early August. More than 200 people attended the presentation, which led to this delegation's visit.

The four-day stay will include tours of recycling and composting operations in Halifax Regional Municipality, Colchester County and Hantsport. Members of the delegation will also meet with non- governmental organizations.

NOTE:
Following are the locations of media briefings and photo opportunities during tour of Japanese delegation:

Wednesday, Sept. 3; 2:30 p.m. Atlantic Tire Recycling, Kemptown, Colchester Co. Take Exit 18 from Highway 104 at Kemptown. The facility is located at 119 Mingo Rd.

Thursday, Sept. 4; 2 p.m. HRM Materials Recycling Facility 50 Chain Lake Dr., Halifax