2007.8.21

Okinawa Cleanup Yuimaru 2007
International Coastal Cleanup

http://www.okinawaocean.org/yuimaru.html

Launch of the “My Beach” Project Challenge
Okinawa’s new Adopt-a-Beach Program, sponsored by the Japan Foundation .

As part of a global effort to rid the world's oceans of marine debris, countries from around the world participate in the International Coastal Cleanup every September. The ICC is organized by the Ocean Conservancy. Here on Okinawa the campaign is called the “Okinawa Cleanup Yuimaru-ICC” and is spearheaded by the Okinawa Ocean Culture & Environment Action Network (NPO Okinawa O.C.E.A.N.) who is the official ICC coordinator for the Ryukyu Islands. This organization was founded by Okinawa International Clean Beach Club (OICBC) members in 1995 and became an officially registered Non-Profit-Organization in 2003.

 We ask for your support by organizing your own beach cleanup, becoming a sponsor or simply volunteering at a scheduled cleanup near you.
(If you are organizing your own cleanup, it can take place on any day between 9/1 and 10/31.)

Last year with support from the Japan Foundation, NPO Okinawa O.C.E.A.N. did a test launch of the “My Beach” Project.  Now with technical support from 78 Typhoon FM , we are ready to launch Okinawa’s first Adopt-a-Beach program to be followed by a “My Reef” Project. The “My Beach” Project will be accessible to all residents on Okinawa that believe in Acting Locally for Global Action and Change. Join the ranks of Eco-Warriors while having fun at the beach or at your favorite dive spot. “My Beach” Project volunteers can register on-line for a minimum of three cleanups a year at the same location. Monitoring the beach can start at any time during the year. Beach Captains are asked to schedule a cleanup between March-April, a cleanup during the MARUGOTO Beach Cleanup between June – July and the Okinawa Cleanup YUIMARU-ICC between September-October. During the YUIMARU-ICC, important marine debris data is collected using standard data cards. Volunteers are challenged to adopt-a-beach, cleanup, monitor its use and provide information that will help Okinawa O.C.E.A.N. establish a “baseline” for better coastal management.

The collection of marine debris data by volunteers has been a unique feature to the YUIMARU-ICC annual cleanup. Our findings are put into a data base, published in a yearly report, and shared with other organizations. The data is also sent to the Japan Environment Action Network (JEAN) in Tokyo. The Ocean Conservancy in Washington D.C. publishes the international report. The data has played an important part in the passing of the Marine Pollution Act (MARPOL) and has assisted in tracing marine debris to its source. The work of volunteers is  crucial to the future of our oceans. Take the next step and Adopt-a-Beach or Dive spot.

In fifteen years of organizing this island-wide volunteer effort, together with over fifty thousand volunteers, we have removed tons of marine debris from Okinawa's coastline. We have saved countless numbers of fish and mammals from ingesting marine debris, while making Okinawa’s coastline a safer place for everyone. Please help us to continue to make our island cleaner and safer for future generations. For more information on how you can help, please call 965-5371 or Email us at edo@okinawaocean.org &edosensei@hotmail.com.Download Data Cards.

http://www.okinawaocean.org/yuimaru.html