Yatsuhigata Nature Observation Center

The Affiliation Agreement

The Second Five-Year Plan for the Wetlands Affiliation Agreement(2004 - 2009)

The Narashino City and the Brisbane City Council have agreed on the Plan following the First Five-year plan (1998 - 2003).

The Second Five Year Plan includes the following.

Key strategies aimed at achieving this objective include:

Supporting the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention);
Initiate and support conservation initiatives along the East-Asian Australasian Shorebird Reserve Network.
By affixing their signatures the Mayors of Brisbane and Narashino have shown their commitment to support:
Joint research and exchange of information in relation to wetland conservation and the protection of migratory shorebirds in both cities;
The training of persons involved in wetland conservation to enrich environmental education and expand knowledge of wetland conservation;
Information exchange between students to increase their awareness and understanding of wetland conservation which, in turn, will help to increase general sensitivity to nature, concern for the environment and the ability to progressively improve the environment;
The development of domestic and international education projects focussing on the conservation of wetlands and protection of migratory shorebirds between both cities;
Exchange visits by members of local communities to help reinforce cooperative partnerships and to raise international awareness about conservation of wetlands and the preservation of migratory shorebirds.
This Second Five-Year Plan for the Affiliation Agreement was agreed to in the spirit of mutual cooperation between the people of Brisbane and Narashino and to confirm their endorsement both Mayors hereby inscribe their signatures. (Oct. 22, 2003)

Memorandum of Understanding on Education Cooperation
(2003 - 2006)

In addition to the Five-Year Plan, and as a result of discussions between Brisbane and Narashino, an agreement was reached to exchange information, training, increase awareness in education and to encourage visitors to their local communities following the successful 2002 trial exchange. (Oct. 22, 2003)

Key strategies aimed at achieving these objectives include:

The development of a web site and exchange of information via email;
The establishment of exchange visits with students from Earnshaw State College and Yatsu-Minami students.
By affixing their signatures the Mayors of Brisbane and Narashino and the Minister for Education, Queensland and the Superintendent for the Municipal Board of Education, Narashino have shown their commitment to support:
Local school children and community members to participate in ongoing activities and exchanges;
The protection and preservation of the wetlands and shorebirds in the flyway;
Negotiated programs to connect school children from both Queensland and Japan.