A number of developmental objectives have been simultaneously achieved in eco-towns. It
has helped to stimulate the local economy and secure employment as well as to dispose
waste in an environmentally sound manner and protect air and water resources. A number
of lessons have been learnt in the setting up of such eco towns in Japan, not only within
these eco towns, but also in the cities where they are located. This report focuses on
identifying the key lessons learnt in the setting up of the eco towns (through four case
studies). These lessons will help in the development of step-by-step guidelines for local and
national governments in developing countries to set up eco-towns in their countries.