Save Yanbaru Forest

Yumiko, Momo and I went to visit Takae a small village in the middle of the Yanbaru forest. Takae holds about 200 inhabitants, young and old who treasure the biodiversity that surrounds them. The peaceful Takae people are currently fighting for their land through protest. Currently, plans to create 6 helipads for U.S. military purposes are underway; one of them is already completed. These helipads have already shown poor effects on the Yanbaru forest.

The situation is sticky and in need of immediate attention by both Americans and Japanese.

Driving to Takae was stepping in a wonderland. The trees were dense and the sounds emerging from the forest made me realize how abundant Yanbaru is.

The Yanbaru Rail is an endangered species that only lives in the Yanbaru forest. Like many animals that rely on the forest for safety and protection the Yanbaru Rail is being threatened by controllable forces. Let's help keep them around!

My cousin Momo, loves birds the most. She has a lovebird that loves her dearly. We all hope for the future of Yanbaru.

Live performances, talks and encouragement for the people of Takae. Solidarity! My aunt and I cried as we watched some traditional Okinawan protests. The turnout was incredible.

It has become more clear than ever the importance of saving Yanbaru forest. I continue to try and understand the importance of the base and keep finding ways to dislike it more and more. The peaceful protests Okinawans have endured haven't done enough and yet there seems to be no other way.

I want to find the best way to help and I'm not sure where that begins.

More information here: http://nohelipadtakae.org/files/VOT-english2013Oct.pdf

#yanbaru #okinawa #stopthebase #takae #protests