Biomass fuel use is being promoted as an important measure for reducing greenhouse gases and revitalizing agriculture, but issues have been raised, including competition with food staple crops, increased demand for water, and impact on ecosystems. In Japan, although a government-led committee has been established, discussion on matters such as the environment at production areas and social context has not been very active. This project aims to raise the environmental and social impact and sustainability of biomass resources as discussion points to encourage active and comprehensive debate on the issues, as well as implement the following actions to form a base for a national movement:
(1) conduct an evaluation of the environmental and social impact of resource production comparing resource type and production areas in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa,
(2) test international theories on sustainable resource production and use,
(3) compile a collection of successful case-studies for sustainable biomass resources, and
(4) hold citizen round-table discussions and the like.