The ocean home of the last few Japanese dugongs is about to be landfilled to make way for two airstrips — part of the expansion of a U.S. military base on the island of Okinawa. But a movement nearly 18 years old is standing up to say no.
Henoko Bay in Okinawa Japan is a marvel. It is home to 262 endangered species including blue corals, sea turtles and the very rare Japanese dugong. But the Japanese government wants to destroy the bay to create two new airstrips for a US military base.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgJ46Gzkzfk[/youtube]
The struggle to protect Henoko Bay is reaching a fever pitch. The majority of Okinawa’s people — from students to grandparents and the local governor — have voiced their opposition to the plans. But construction work continues. There are daily scuffles outside the base as protesters attempt to prevent bulldozers and equipment from entering the bay.
Here are the stories of six courageous people who are taking action to save the dugongs and protect the rich ocean life for future generations (click on an image to read their story).
[maxgallery id=”50947″]
Take Action: Save the Dugongs Before It’s Too Late!
“Environmental protests are often seen from the outside as stories reduced to a series of soundbites by the media. My aim is to introduce the personalities behind the activists, their personal stories and motivations in their journey to protect the environment. This story is about the people behind the environmental campaign.”
Ian Teh, photographer