Thematic Tracks (TT-2): ISAP2026

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Summary

The opening remarks highlighted the achievements of ISAP2026, held in a regional city for the first time, while emphasising the importance of creating synergies to simultaneously address climate change, local economies, and nature protection. Following this, a framing perspective was presented and implementation measures were introduced to transition Green Transformation (GX) from a passive obligation into proactive initiatives for regional growth.

The first half of the session focused on "Growth," with a keynote address on the "GX Management Mentoring Guidance", aimed at aligning with the management challenges faced by SMEs. The panel discussion featured stage-tailored support for enterprises, partnerships with specialised energy-saving diagnostic agencies and internal performance evaluation mechanisms, as well as outcomes of area-wide support achieved through a multi-agency network and role visualization.

The second half focused on "Harmony (Symbiosis)," with a keynote presentation on "evaluation mismatch" between climate change action and nature conservation in her keynote presentation, advocating for local dialogue and the visualization of best practices. Several case studies were introduced on a zoning system based on a Symbiotic Ordinance and Symbiotic Tax informed by the history of a withdrawn wind power project, the background of the zoning study utilising citizen surveys in Higashiomi City and the advantages of rooftop solar power generation on buildings. Finally a new procurement standard (3Ps) was introduced incorporating community considerations and human rights.

The summary session advocated for "Earning GX," led by local communities to prevent capital outflow. There was an observation from the audience, positioned GX as a means for regional economic growth. Discussions also focused on directions for regional symbiosis by preventing free-riding on natural capital and visualizing outcomes through landscape design, and underscored the importance of knowledge-sharing among leaders who oversee regional GX.

Key messages

GX as a Driver for Regional Growth and SME Support Ecosystems
GX is not merely a decarbonisation obligation, but a means to solve SME management challenges and achieve regional economic growth. It is essential to build an ecosystem where local governments, financial institutions, and support agencies collaborate to deliver stage-tailored support and share success stories.
Symbiosis and Consensus Building in Renewable Energy Deployment
To overcome trade-offs with nature conservation during renewable energy deployment, it is necessary to establish a symbiosis model through ordinance/tax-based zoning, rooftop PV utilisation, and community-conscious procurement, grounded in transparent dialogue and consensus building with local residents.
Value Co-creation and Regional Economic Circulation
To transform into "Earning GX" that circulates funds locally and prevents profit outflow to external operators and free-riding on natural capital, stakeholders should promote value co-creation in regions through mayoral-level leadership, wide-area collaboration, and the visualisation of natural capital.

Prepared by: TANAKA Yugo (IGES)