Saturday, September 18, 2010

US for OKINAWA Announces a Study Program for Biodiversity and a Base Free Henoko

US for OKINAWA, a peace action network formed by U.S. and other citizens from around the world living in Japan to support calls for the closure of Futenma Air Base and the halt to new base construction in Henoko, is pleased to announce it is organizing its second study program to Okinawa this year from September 22-26th. The program, titled the “Okinawa Peace Project” will allow participants to witness
Futenma and Kadena Air Bases firsthand, and to enjoy diving, snorkeling and kayaking activities in Oura Bay, site of the planned new base construction. The pristine bay is home to rare forms of biodiversity, including blue coral and the Okinawa dugong, that will be threatened or destroyed by plans to fill in a large swathe of the bay in order to construct the new base.

Given that the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) will be held in Japan this year, the United Nations has designated 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity, and the WWF has named it the International Year of the Dugong, US for OKINAWA aims to raise awareness of the grave environmental risk posed to Henoko from further militarization of Okinawa. US for OKINAWA will organize an action in Henoko on Saturday, September 25th to appeal to COP 10 members to
protect the biodiversity of Henoko.

US for OKINAWA will also use this occasion to express its support for the candidacy of Yoichi Iha in the upcoming November 28th elections for governor of Okinawa. As mayor of Ginowan City, Mr. Iha has demonstrated outstanding and unwavering dedication to the principles of citizen safety and security,
transparent and democratic politics, and peace in Okinawa and the entire East Asia region. Without a doubt, he will serve as governor of Okinawa with unparalleled excellence and integrity.

Local citizens and members of the media are invited to to join US for OKINAWA at various stops in our study program while in Okinawa. For more details of our activities on Saturday, September 23 rd and 25th, please see below.

9/23
08:30 Visit Kakazu no Takadai (view of Futenma Air Base)
10:00 Visit Kadena Base and Information center

09/25
08:30-09:30 Visit to Dugong Hill (Henoko)
15:00-16:00 Beach Clean-up activity at Henoko
16:00-17:00 COP 10 Action “Protect the Dugong” at Henoko!
18:30-19:30 Candle Action in front of Camp Schwab gate

For details of events and activities on September 24th, please contact Emilie McGlone at us.for.okinawa@gmail.com or 080-1295-7612 after September 22nd.

US for OKINAWA was founded in January of 2010 by Peace Boat staff members from the United States citizens residing in Japan. In cooperation with Peace Boat, US for OKINAWA organized its first study program to Okinawa in April of this year. Peace Boat is a Japan-based international non-governmental
and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and
sustainable development and respect for the environment. Info: www.peaceboat.org

Visit to Dugong Hill (Henoko)
Beach Clean-up activity at Henoko
COP 10 Action “Protect the Dugong” at Henoko!
Candle Action in front of Camp Schwab gate