On October 24–25, 2026, the international conference AIC2026 was held in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, bringing together experts, researchers and practitioners in the field of environmental impact assessment (EIA) from across Asia.
Lively discussions took place at the conference on topics including comparisons of environmental assessment systems and their implementation across different countries, challenges in realizing a decarbonized society and a nature-positive future, and the utilization of the latest digital technologies for environmental surveys and analysis.
Shota Ohtani of Eight-Japan Engineering Consultants Inc. (EJEC) took to the stage during a panel discussion at the conference as a representative member of the Overseas Exchange Group of the Japan Environmental Assessment Society (JEAS).

During this session, Mr. Ohtani introduced the history and activities of JEAS. He also presented EJEC’s practical experience in environmental impact assessment and environmental and social considerations in Japan and overseas, as well as its nature-positive initiatives, including support for organizations working to implement the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). Furthermore, during the panel discussion, he engaged in a lively exchange of views with practitioners from Hong Kong and the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) regarding the activities of engineers in various countries, approaches to community engagement, and the future of EIA.

Moving forward, we will continue to utilize the expertise and technical capabilities we have cultivated both in Japan and overseas to contribute to the development of sustainable social infrastructure through high-quality environmental assessments and the realization of nature-positive initiatives.