Marine Creature Observation Meeting
International Center for Island Studies, Amami Station Kitanobo Seiya
http://cpi.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/AmamiStation/index.html- amami
- uken
- setouchi
- tatsugou
- kikai
- tokunoshima
- amagi
- isen
- wadomari
- china
- yoron
Background and objectives of activities
The Amami Branch Office, which was established in 2015, has been carrying out various activities to deepen the understanding of the local people about the nature of Amami. These activities are aimed at deepening the understanding of the marine ecosystem of the area registered as a World Natural Heritage site, targeting local elementary and junior high school students and their parents.
Summary of Activities
The “Marine Creature Observation Meeting - Coral Sea Creatures” was held at Taen Beach in Hirata, Uken Village, and 15 elementary and junior high school students and 10 parents took part. This observation meeting was held as part of the “Yakeuchi Children's Environmental Learning - World Natural Heritage Doctor's Lecture” organized by the Uken Village Board of Education. After a talk about the organisms that live in coral reefs, the coral bleaching phenomenon and the symbiosis between coral and zooxanthellae, the participants went into the sea with Mr. Nakano from the Japan Wildlife Conservation Society, which co-hosted the event, to observe the organisms that live in coral reefs and bleached coral using “color cards”. After that, they collected coral, sea cucumbers and fish, and observed them on land, which gave them the opportunity to learn about the importance of biodiversity.
Expected Benefits
Many Through this observation event, participants were able to experience the diversity of coral reef ecosystems and realize the importance of the environment. By having children learn about environmental change and the interrelationships of marine life, it provides an opportunity for them to think about the connection with the local natural environment. It is also hoped that this will raise awareness among local residents as part of efforts based on SDG target 14, ”Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”people associate Amami Oshima with iconic wildlife such as the Amami rabbit, but this observation event provided an opportunity to look at other animals such as bats. Increasing the number of people who are interested in and knowledgeable about a wide range of living things is essential for the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity, and this observation event helped to achieve this.