Promoting the Conservation of Man-ko

Man-ko, lying over the Village of Tomigusuku and the City of Naha, the capital of Okinawa (Japan's southernmost prefecture), has been formed at the river-mouth of the confluence of the Kokuba River and Noha River, which is about three kilometers from Naha Airport. Man-ko is characterized by the largest wetland with a muddy tidal flat where mangroves grow wild near the downtown area. Because shorebirds stop over and winter here, Man-ko is considered Okinawa's most important wetland.
　Of the 250-hectare National Wildlife Protection Area within this river-mouth, an area of 58 hectares was designated as a Special Protection Area in November 1997. This designation prompted the movement to designate Man-ko as a Ramsar site. With the consent of the City of Naha and the Village of Tomigusuku, the Okinawa Prefectural Government made arrangements necessary for the designation. In May 1999, Man-ko was designated as Japan's 11th Ramsar site. This was the first time that any wetland west of Shiga Prefecture was designated as such a site. 
　Compared with other Ramsar sites in Japan, Man-ko is located close to the urban area. Because of this, wastes are clearly conspicuous in rivers, including their upstream reaches, and on their revetments, due to the influx of garbage and illegal waste dumping. To solve this problem, the Kokuba River Mizu-ashibi Execution Committee and other organizations have promoted the "Man-ko Churakagi (meaning a beauty) Cleanup Campaign" to encourage activities to clean Man-ko and to raise people's awareness. 
　Recently, a serious phenomenon has come to be observed; the tidal flats are decreasing in area due to the thick growth of mangroves and the accumulation of sand. To address this problem, the Okinawa Prefectural Government has established the Liaison Council for the Conservation of Man-ko Wildlife Protection Area, consisting of staff from related environmental and development sections of the government, in its efforts to conserve the tidal flats of Man-ko. We intend to promote the conservation of Man-ko in cooperation with NGOs and the Association for the Promotion of Environmental Protection of the Kokuba River System, consisting of municipalities located along the Kokuba River.
　In October 2000, "International Workshop: Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy 2001-2005" was held in Naha (sponsored by the Environment Agency of Japan, Environment Australia, and the Wetlands International Asia-Pacific; co-sponsored by the Okinawa Executive Committee). The Okinawa Executive Committee organized a welcoming reception, excursion tours and citizens' symposiums to deepen friendships with people from abroad.
　The Ministry of the Environment of Japan is promoting the establishment of the Waterbird and Wetland Center at the Man-ko area. Under the principle of "wise use," we are determined to promote the conservation of Man-ko so that this lake will be utilized for diverse purposes, such as the observation of tidal flats and wild birds (incl. Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor), research and awareness raising activities, and ecotourism. 

Nature Conservation Division, Cultural & Environmental Affairs, Okinawa Prefectural Government