About the Yambaru Nature Experience Activity Council
Yambaru Nature Experience Activity Council
What is the Yambaru Nature Experience Activity Council?
This organization was established in 1999 with the aim of contributing to the regional development of the Yambaru region, while balancing the conservation and utilization of its natural environment. We mainly manage and promote the use of the Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center Ufugi Nature Museum, and promote cooperation between the region’s three villages (Kunigami, Ogimi and Higashi) and participation by residents in nature experience activities in the region.
Council member organizations: Okinawa-Amami Natural Environment Office, Ministry of the Environment; Department of Environmental Affairs, Okinawa Prefectural Government; Kunigami Village; Ogimi Village; Higashi Village
Description of activities
Our main activities carried out at the Ufugi Nature Museum are as follows.
(1) Explaining the heritage value of World Heritage sites and the natural environment of the Yambaru region.
(2) Promoting and raising awareness of the environmental conservation of World Heritage sites and their surrounding areas, as well as cultural inheritance, regional development, environmental education, and rules for their use.
(3) Conducting training for the council member organizations and related groups in order to improve the quality of their nature interpretation techniques.
Initiatives so far
(1) Nature observation events
We hold observation events where people can enjoy learning about the animals and plants of the Yambaru region and actually go out into the field to observe them
(2) Lectures
We organize lectures by researchers who are studying the nature of the Yambaru region and come to talk on their latest findings.
Ryukyu scops owl
mice of Yambaru
(3) Training sessions
We provide training for related groups to contribute to the spread of appropriate information.
with an instructor
group work
(4) Activities in collaboration with schools
We conduct activities in partnership with schools in the Yambaru region in order to give their children more opportunities to learn and think about the nature and culture of the area where they live.
(5) Public awareness
We have created materials about the Yambaru region’s natural environment to be handed out as mementos in exchange for a fee received to promote the council’s activities and help to conserve the region’s natural environment. These can be obtained at the Ufugi Nature Museum.
About the handout materials
The Yambaru Nature Experience Activity Council produces and publishes materials to help people familiarize themselves with the natural environment of the Yambaru region. These materials are available at the Ufugi Nature Museum and other locations. Please make use of them.
[Revised edition] Illustrated Book of Living Things in Yambaru
This book introduces the living things that can be found in Yambaru through illustrations. It lists 206 types of plants, insects, birds, etc. It is a handy book that is easy to carry around and use outdoors. Handed out for a contribution of 500 yen.
Yambaru Nature Ashibi Booklet
This guidebook is packed full of the charms of Yambaru’s nature and culture. Follow the rules and etiquette shown here while enjoying “Yambaru Ashibi (fun)”, such as experiencing nature and exploring the villages. Handed out for a contribution of 200 yen.
Stop Roadkill magnet
The roads in the Yambaru region are also used by wildlife. This magnet is to raise awareness of roadkill prevention, asking people to drive safely and with consideration for wild animals. Handed out for a contribution of 400 yen per magnet.