Greenbelt Planting Activity for Red Soil Runoff Prevention: Yanbaru Nature Conservation in Higashi Village
Higashi Village, Okinawa Prefecture
- Overview
"Red soil" is an indispensable resource for cultivating Okinawan agricultural products such as sugarcane and pineapples. However, it also has a conflicting aspect: when red soil flows out from land due to natural disasters like typhoons and heavy rains, it negatively impacts the marine ecosystem. To prevent such red soil runoff, the planting of "green belts" has been promoted across various parts of the prefecture.
This time, with the cooperation of NPO Okinawa Green Network and Higashi Village Regional Council for Red Soil and Sediment Runoff Prevention, we carried out a planting activity using vetiver grass (from the Poaceae family) as a measure to prevent red soil runoff. Prior to the activity, we learned basic knowledge about the mechanism and impact of red soil runoff, and the expected environmental conservation effects of these countermeasures. Afterwards, we engaged in the actual planting work.
Following the planting activity, we took a guided stroll along the promenade of Higashi Village Fureai Mangrove Park, where the Gesashi Bay Mangrove Forest, a National Natural Monument, is located. During the walk, we observed and experienced the local flora and fauna, deepening our connection with nature.- Partner organization
・NPO Okinawa Green Network
・Higashi Village Regional Council for Red Soil and Sediment Runoff Prevention- Contact
Okinawa JTB
Closed：Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays
Hours: 09:30 - 17:30
Comments from participants
-It was a very meaningful day, as we were able to experience the challenges related to red soil runoff and the efforts being made to resolve them.
-While I had heard about red soil and mangroves through news reports and other media, I had never had an opportunity to experience them firsthand. This time, I was able to have a very valuable experience.
-The lecture, which used models for explanation, was very easy to understand and interesting.
Comments from the partner organization
It is said that 81% of red soil runoff originates from agricultural land. However, countermeasures involve significant labor and costs, placing a heavy burden on farmers, which makes it difficult for these measures to be widely implemented.It is said that 81% of red soil runoff originates from agricultural land. However, countermeasures involve significant labor and costs, placing a heavy burden on farmers, which makes it difficult for these measures to be widely implemented.
We are immensely grateful for the existence of companies, like those involved in this project, who show interest in preventing red soil runoff; for the farmers who respond to this commitment by cooperating; and for the participants who gather to engage in activities despite the heat. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the project organizers.
Furthermore, the participation of stakeholders from tourism-related businesses (such as hotels) in this event leads us to believe that this will contribute to the future advancement and widespread adoption of our activities.
Okinawa is known as a prefecture built on tourism, but we would be delighted if those engaged in primary industries could also feel its benefits, and if we could all work together to connect and expand the circle of efforts to protect our beautiful islands and seas (Churashima and Churaumi).
Comments from the staff member responsible
Through this activity, we were able to learn anew about the red soil issue, which was a truly valuable experience for us.
Although it's a small step, we are genuinely pleased to have been able to contribute even a little to the farmers and the local environment.
As a company deeply rooted in the community, we will continue to work alongside our colleagues to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Okinawa.
Scenes from the program
