How responsible travelers can contribute to sustainable islands

For greater than 20 years, Okinawa has nurtured a rising pattern towards reaching sustainability on all ranges of society. In a quickly altering world that’s nonetheless negotiating a pandemic, many Okinawans have been working to create initiatives that each have interaction vacationers and enrich the area people and setting.

From actively defending pure habitats, to consuming because the native residents do, to participating with their conventional methods of life, listed below are just some methods you possibly can contribute to the growing sustainability of those islands whereas experiencing the very best of Okinawa alongside the way in which.

Revive the coral reef in Onna

A big portion of the world’s coral reefs will be discovered within the Pacific Ocean surrounding the Ryukyuan archipelago, the place they help wealthy ecosystems for native marine life, create pure seawalls and soak up vital quantities of carbon dioxide. In Onna, “the village of coral” on the west coast of the principle island, a 30-kilomenter reef has for hundreds of years supported the native seafood trade and livelihoods.

In 1998, as a result of a sudden rise in sea temperatures, virtually 90% of the coral round Okinawa’s foremost island succumbed to bleaching. Shocked by this tragic loss, native fishermen resolved to save lots of the reef by turning into coral farmers. By 2003, they succeeded in transplanting farm-raised coral into the ocean. Thus far, they’ve transplanted greater than 100,000 coral seedlings.

At Sango Batake in Yomitan, you can also make a person coral seedling that might be nurtured on the farm till it’s giant sufficient to outlive within the ocean. The mature coral is then transplanted into the ocean, the place it will definitely spawns and repopulates the critically endangered reef. As accountable vacationers, we will additionally shield the reefs by not touching dwelling coral within the sea, by utilizing coral-friendly pores and skin merchandise, and by studying extra about how finest to guard the reefs.

A style of longevity in Ogimi

Okinawa is known as one of many world’s 5 “Blue Zones” of longevity, the place greater than 1,000 centenarians are nonetheless dwelling comparatively wholesome, joyful lives. These ageless islanders are surrounded by peaceable and considerable nature, they take part in a vigorous and supportive group, and most significantly, they eat a nutritious diet.

Former nutritionist and chef Emiko Kinjo was fascinated specifically by the prolific vegetable gardens of the village grandmothers, in addition to the naturally medicinal properties of native elements. She opened her personal farm-to-table restaurant Emi no Mise in Ogimi to share the tradition of Okinawan “longevity cooking” with guests. By consuming regionally grown meals, you possibly can expertise a elementary a part of Okinawa’s historically wholesome life-style, whereas contributing to preserving the native meals tradition.

Custom lives on in Taketomi

In 1986, the few hundred residents of Taketomi within the Yaeyama Islands stood as much as save their island from uncontrolled growth by drafting the Taketomi Island Constitution. This complete constitution encompasses points starting from land possession to panorama preservation, and even utilization of regionally grown and produced supplies to make souvenirs.

Now, you can also stroll alongside clear slim streets paved with white coral sand, amongst limestone partitions that encompass conventional picket homes with red-tiled roofs. Please bear in mind, nevertheless, that Taketomi Island remains to be understandably cautious about welcoming vacationers through the pandemic, so remember to examine the native state of affairs earlier than you make plans to go to.

As younger and youthful Okinawans work and play to protect their tradition and traditions, there are numerous methods you possibly can be a part of the pattern towards sustainability. Be taught in regards to the fragile ecosystem of the island, benefit from the seasonal meals harvest or discover the assorted distinctive features of Ryukyu tradition. Whilst you’re visiting the outer islands of Okinawa, why not decide up the native three-stringed sanshin instrument and discover ways to play “Asadoya Yunta,” a people music from Taketomi Island.