INTRODUCTION

Since 1996 the Japanese government has approved a plan for the relocation of the aging Futenma base to Henoko.

This would involve the landfilling of a large area of the Henoko coast, which happens to be a critically important feeding ground for the last of the Okinawan dugong.

A combination of natural conditions, coral reefs, mangrove, rivers, and tidal land in the area has created a rich bio-diversity, which is ideal for the growth of seagrass, the natural diet for the very fussy eating Dugong.

For more than 20 years, local people, researchers, and NGOs who oppose the plan have tirelessly and passionately protested to preserve this ocean and nature. In recent years, the Japanese government have aggressively proceeded with the plan, conducting inspections and preparing for construction, resulting in severe clashes and conflicts between protesters and riot polices at the site.

At the present time construction has been suspended, but is expected to be restarted in 2017

Join us and help save the Japanese dugong.