Okinawa O.C.E.A.N. was formed in 1995 and has since encompassed a wide range of environmental activities. One of our main functions is to educate Okinawa's youth on the importance of marine conservation. Several times a year
O.C.E.A.N. members speak at schools around the island to promote environmental awareness. The
Okinawa Junior O.C.E.A.N. Ranger Program, which puts children "in touch" with the sea through activities that are "hands-on and culture-based," has already reached over 600 students and continues to grow today. In the future,
Okinawa O.C.E.A.N. will introduce international exchange into our educational programs, enabling children to understand the connection between other island communities around the world and the sea. Face to face, via the internet, children will have a chance to "act locally and think globally" with other students from Hawaii, Galapagos, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Canary Islands.
Along with education, Okinawa O.C.E.A.N. continues to take direct action in trying to solve marine environmental problems and promoting marine conservation. Under the direction and management of O.C.E.A.N., the Okinawa International Clean Beach Club (OICBC) has pulled together over 45,000 volunteers since 1992 to remove marine debris from countless miles of coastline through its annual "I Love Okinawa Campaign" and island-wide "Okinawa Cleanup Yuimaru" beach cleanup events. Not only do we remove trash from the island's coastline, but we also record valuable data that is part of a worldwide effort to solve the problem of marine debris. The data is sent to Japan Environment Action Network (JEAN) in Tokyo and to the Ocean Conservancy in Washington D.C. Our data, along with data from mainland Japan and over 80 other countries, is also used by the United Nations in order to both create and enforce stricter international laws concerning marine pollution. Patrols and special projects, such as the removal of crown-of-thorns starfish from Okinawa's coral reefs have also helped to make Okinawa's coastline a safer and nicer place for future generations.
Networking is another important aspect of Okinawa O.C.E.A.N.'s agenda. In 1997, we attended the Earth Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, representing Okinawa as one of the many environmental organizations from the Asia region. During the conference much was learned. We also connected with members from other island communities and prepared for the 1998 International Year of the Ocean (IYO). UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and UNESCO Association Japan recognized Okinawa O.C.E.A.N. for our "My Ocean Charter" ten-year initiative. The Okinawa version of "My Ocean Charter", which was officially recognized by the IOC, was designed with an original wood block print by Okinawa's renowned artist Mr. Bokunen Naka. Over 10,000 volunteers signed the "My Ocean Charter" from Okinawa during the IYO campaign.
Okinawa O.C.E.A.N. directly supports other environment conservation events, such as the FM Okinawa / Okinawa Cosmo "Earth Conscious Act Clean Campaign." We have jointly cooperated with the Prefectural Government, local municipalities, Japan Coast Guard, Okinawa Diving Safety Council/ODSC, PADI Project Aware, Japan Life Saving Association, Japan Sail Training Association, Okinawa Surfriders Association, Japan Sea Turtle Association, and many other NPO's in their efforts to protect Okinawa's ocean.
We hope you will support O.C.E.A.N. and join the many thousands of international members who have recognized the importance of protecting Okinawa's precious marine environment.
Sincerely,
The Navigators and Engineers of Okinawa O.C.E.A.N.
OICBC / NPO Okinawa O.C.E.A.N.
Ryukyu Islands ICC Coordinator
Cape Maeda Marine Conservation Station
469-1 Aza Maeda
Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0417
TEL/FAX: 965-5371
www.okinawaocean.org
edo@okinawaocean.org
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