Association for Promotion of International Cooperation and the Foreign Press Center Japan

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) monitors and predicts natural events like typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes and climate change.

JMA, with 5,200 staff nationwide, also provides information for securing air traffic safety, development and prosperity of industry and international cooperation.

Pacific Island countries, including Papua New Guinea, can learn from Japan when preparing for disasters by also adapting an effective monitoring system.

Despite the disadvantage of not having advanced technology, PNG should start investing in this vital area.

Citizens of Tokyo spend about two hours every weekend to clean up along the banks of the Arakawa River, which empties into the Pacific Ocean.

Pacific and Caribbean journalists, attending a program organised by the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation and the Foreign Press Center Japan, witnessed and participated in a clean-a-thon along the Arakawa River located within the vicinity of Tokyo city.

The Arakawa River Clean-Aid Action is an environmental initiative that is organised by non-government organisation (NGO) Arakawa Clean-aid Forum.