Declaration on Developing a City that Values the Environment, Health and Welfare
Our City, Minamata, has experienced Minamata Disease as a result of environmental pollution, unlike any in human history, which occurred during the post World War II economic boom. Since that time, the citizens of Minamata have come together as one, to make an effort to overcome the immeasurable effect that this unprecedented damage has had. We are taking care of the environment and working towards developing a city in which nature, humans, and industry can co-exist in harmony.
In recent years, it has been recognized that the life or death of the earth depends on the health of the environment. Minamata City, which has been seen as an origin of environmental pollution, has taken on the role of relating the lesson of Minamata Disease and warning the world of environmental damage.
We have listened to the will of the people, and will not forget the sacrifice of Minamata Disease. We are planning relief for those victims who are still suffering, and in order not to allow such a disaster to reoccur, we are reflecting on the past and keeping in mind the dignity of life, a sense of reverence for nature, and the importance of harmony between the people. We would therefore like to declare our intention to develop a city that will take care of the environment and health, and value the welfare of the people.
Minamata City Assembly
June 25, 1992