Environmental communication for noise management and partnership with the local community at Narita International Airport

摘要

Narita International Airport, located inland, has had various environmental impacts, such as aircraft noise, on the local community. Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA) has carried out various initiatives to minimize such impacts since the airport opened in 1978. However, construction of the airport had been long incomplete, because site acquisition for constructing a parallel runway and other airport facilities was difficult due to strong oppositions from local residents. In a public symposium held in 1991 and round-table conference among the community, which took three years to complete, NAA and localational governments led to a breakthrough for solving the deadlocked situation and difficulties. As one of agreements reached during those talks, NAA promised to take measures that aimed for a symbiosis i.e. partnership with the local community; NAA would take measures against global environmental problems, that is, become an eco-airport. NAA has included this concept in its management visions, carried out more initiatives and has been working on environment management. Environmental communication is one of the most important elements of the environment management in order to encourage people to understand its eco-actions such as the annual publication of Environment Report and educational activities of "Eco-Kids Club", which is intended for the next generation. Besides, when planning an expansion of the airport capacity, NAA voluntarily conducts an environmental impact evaluation according to the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, and announces the findings. This paper makes a report on noise measures and environmental communication with the local community as a means for environmental management.