The Seto Inland Sea is a place of magnificent scenic beauty, a treasure-trove of fisheries resources, a center for maritime transport, and a foundation for spiritual culture. It has provided countless blessings and is the precious heritage of all of the people of Japan.
　In the 20th century, the bounties of the Seto Inland Sea made it possible
for us to lead lives of affluence. In the 21st century, which has been called the "age of coexistence between human beings and nature," one of our most important duties is to join with one another to protect and nurture the magnificent environment of the Seto Inland Sea to ensure that it is passed on to future generations.
　Since its establishment in 1976, the Association for the Environmental Conservation of the Seto Inland Sea has continued to conduct wide-ranging activities aimed at preserving the environment of the Seto Inland Sea, such as promoting education and training, gathering and disseminating information, and conducting surveys and research projects. In the new century, based on full participation and cooperation from all members of society who have a connection to the Seto Inland Sea, the Association will endeavor to deploy even more substantial efforts in an effort to achieve environmental restoration and creation in the Seto Inland Sea. The Association will also use the knowledge and experience accumulated over half a century to lend its active participation and cooperation to international activities relating to the environmental management of enclosed coastal seas around the world.
　It is my sincere hope that we can count on your continued understanding and support in the future.