1990 Osaka (JAPAN), 1st. conference - OSAKA DECLARATION

     We, the participants who have gathered in Osaka City from July 25th to 27th, 1990, to participate in the International Conference of Aquapolises, after actively discussing the past, present and future's of "water-enriched cities" in the world, have reached the following conclusions:

 

1. Our cities, while enjoying the benefits of water and greenery, have struggled with the problems posed by water in building the foundations for better urban life. Through these efforts, we have each formed unique traditions, cultures, and strategies related to our cities' use of their natural environment to enhance their surroundings. On this occasion, we renew our recognition that the continued development of cities relies on the harmonious coexistence of nature and man. With the diversification and expansion of human activities, however, it has become increasingly difficult to strike a balance between urban development and environmental conservation. We firmly believe that the deepened understanding of the common issues and unique challenges of the participant cities, which has resulted from this conference, will be profitably utilized in city planning for the 21st century. Furthermore, through the exchange of technical expertise, developmental strategies, and project experience, we have reached the following conclusions:

(1) The strategies and means to deal with the problems posed by water in "water- enriched cities" have been largely dictated by the natural and social conditions peculiar to each city. Nevertheless, there are various strategies and techniques which can be shared among cities to devise measures to cope more successfully with their respective problems.
(2) The indispensable character of water, which is essential to all living things, the depletion of our water resources, and the deterioration of the water environment as a consequence of urbanization, combine to create increasingly serious problems. In light of these, the participant cities can mutually benefit from sharing strategies and techniques they have developed for the efficient utilization and conservation of water.
(3) We are becoming increasingly aware of the great potential of waterfront areas, both as the centerpieces of urban revitalization and as space for people to enjoy a more natural environment within the confines of the increasingly artificial environment of crowded cities. It is necessary to integrate each city' s character and traditions into the development of its waterfront areas.
(4) Greenery, along with water, is an essential natural element for all cities that seek to provide their inhabitants with restful surroundings and the resulting peace o mind, to enhance the cityscape, and to enhance their environments. The success of future city planning depends on the ability of cities to create the amenities resulting from the provision and active cultivation of extensive greenery.

 

2. Based on the above considerations, we, the Conference participant, have agreed to pursue the creation of a fulfilling environment for urban life in our cities, utilizing each city's historical assets, natural setting, and technical expertise. We will also continue to promote the intercity exchange of people, technical expertise, and other information related to city planning. Each participant city is dedicated to playing a leading role in forming a worldwide consensus for the conservation and improvement of the global environment, fully recognizing that urban activities, individually and collectively, will exert a great influence on global-state environmental improvement.

 

3. We recognize the significance of this International Conference of Aquapolises as a first attempt to discuss, define, and delineate the basic policies and rote of "Aquapolises" in urban planning for the 21st century. Aquapolises ,we have agreed to hold the second International Conference of Aquapolises within three years, at a time and location to be determined by the directorate member cities.

 

July 27, 1990

 

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