Discussion at OIST Science Talk (November 2021)

Section Leader Yoshimura had a discussion with Hiromi Kamikaiji, a nature guide from Endemic Garden H, at the OIST Science Talk held at the Junkudo bookstore in Naha. Endemic Garden H is a company that provides sightseeing and guided tours of nature and lifestyle in Yambaru. The theme of this talk was about invasive species. Our section’s research on invasive ants is focused on waterfront measures around ports and parks, while theirs is conservation activities in the Yambaru area, recently registered as a World Natural Heritage site. Although the two target environments are very different, what they have in common are the needs for sustainable activities and a large number of citizen participants. We would very much like to convey the idea that the more people become familiar with and interested in nature by examining the world around them in their daily lives, the more Okinawa's precious environment will be preserved.