Of the member cities of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 (ANMC21), Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) already holds workshops with both Bangkok and Yangon to promote the 3Rs and waste management improvement. This year, Tokyo also held a workshop with Ulaanbaatar (UB) for the first time.

The workshop entitled, "UB-TMG Workshop on 3Rs and Waste Management," was held in the city from June 30th to July 3rd, 2014.

At the ANMC21 training program entitled the "3Rs and Waste Management" held in Tokyo in February, from the Ulaanbaatar participants there was a request that "such a workshop also be held in Ulaanbaatar." Following on, Tokyo received formal request from the Environment and Green Development Bureau of Ulaanbaatar and decided to conduct the workshop.

The workshop included the following three themes: 1. Tokyo's experience in conquering issues, 2. the legal framework with respect to waste and recycling, 3. 3R measures. Six participants from the TMG and a total of 73 participants from the Environment and Green Development Bureau of Ulaanbaatar as well as members of the Bayanzurkh district, actively exchanged each opinions about the themes.

On the first day of the workshop there was a field visit of waste-collection points, landfills and recycling facilities within Ulaanbaatar. Through such visits, we, Tokyo members, confirmed the collection of waste in yurt regions where yurts and wooden housing have been established on sloping ground outside the city. We could also confirm the operations, etc., of waste-processing areas where collected waste is buried as-is as landfill without further processing.

On the second and third days of the workshop, both cities gave presentations and participants exchanged their opinions. Ulaanbaatar, with respect to current waste-processing measures, provided information regarding the introduction of specified trash bags, improvements that have been made to the cleaning of public roadways; and the establishment of new power-generating, waste-disposal incinerators and recycling facilities. Furthermore, from Tokyo there were presentations regarding its history of conquering waste-management issues, the legal framework with respect to waste and recycling, and the 3R measures that are being undertaken in Minato Ward. From the participants there were a range of questions asked of Tokyo, including how to improve public consciousness. It was also pointed out that in Ulaanbaatar waste collection points could be strewn with rubbish, and a participant from Ulaanbaatar asked how Tokyo handled such matters, etc.

As impressions of the workshop, Ulaanbaatar participants gave Tokyo a large number of responses such as; "rather than just an issue of policy, I see it as necessary to secure the cooperation of citizens, businesses and non-government organizations, etc." and "I would really like to see the workshop repeated again next year," etc. We can see that the workshop was of value in terms of resolving issues that confront Ulaanbaatar in these statements.

On the final day of the workshop, Tokyo members could meet with the Mr. Enkhtsengel, the Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, who is responsible for the social development of the city. When we reported the workshop's proceedings to the Deputy Mayor, in addition to expressing thanks for the holding of the workshop, hegave comment that he hoped that cooperation with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government would strengthen in the future.

Ulaanbaatar is brimming over with activity in the midst of its economic growth. Here and there within the city we witnessed the construction of high-rise residences, etc. Along with the city's economic growth the volumes of waste being created are increasing, and the staff of Ulaanbaatar are struggling with this issue that must be resolved. We also want to deepen our exchanges between Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo to resolve the issues confronting both cities.

*The 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle