Scientists, conservation experts and policymakers from Japan and Russia on Sunday called for joint scientific research and a cooperative program transcending politics to preserve four pristine Russian islands that punctuate the southern Kuril archipelago northeast of Hokkaido.
For the first time, scientists from the two countries agreed at a UNESCO-sponsored gathering in Tokyo on the need for joint studies of the islands to facilitate their conservation.
Following a day of discussion, participants at the "Nature Conservation Cooperation on the Kunashiri, Etorofu, Shikotan and Habomai Islands" workshop adopted a resolution calling for joint research of the islands and conservation issues to be promoted, regardless of territorial issues.