Development Assistance

Recently I'm working on a report for a technical project in Vietnam. Japan is giving support to solve issues about water pollution (mainly caused from industry) and in the report is a lament on behalf of Japan. The author expressed regret over the environmental damage that ensued during the high-growth period of Japan's economy because they put more importance on economy than the natural environment.

It is a classic opposition that you hear these days; putting environment in the ring against the economy. It's a fight that - no matter who wins - WE are destined to lose. The following statement sums it up quite well:

"I think we need something like Native American and Australian Aboriginal cultures had [which is] a belief that the land that supports us is sacred and we are family with all other species. The earth is our mother and you don't sell your mother, no matter what the discount rate."