Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/89014

KEYWORDS : Coastal development;reclamation;environmental protection;intertidal flat

Many large cities in Japan have been developed on lowland estuaries and coastal reclaimed lands. This article looks back on the history of coastal development in consideration of the natural environment and discusses how government engineers involved in public projects for coastal development have contributed to the promotion of the project. Based on the author's own experience as a researcher at a national research institute, it is discussed how an engineer is playing an active role between project promotion and environmental protection. Specifically, the grand design for the Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) and the Keihin Canal in the Keihin Industrial Zone are studied focusing on the qualities of government engineers who are involved in the projects. In addition, the coastal environment in Okinawa Prefecture, which is fluctuating between project promotion and environmental protection, is also discussed.