Greenpeace condemns Japan government’s go-ahead for Okinawa military base | WPN World People News

Greenpeace Japan Tuesday condemned the Japanese government’s decision to allow construction of a military base in Okinawa to proceed, despite 80% of local people being opposed, and despite the fact that the Bay where the base will be constructed is home to 262 endangered species, including the rare Japanese dugong.

Two weeks ago, Okinawa’s Governor Onaga rescinded permission for the landfilling of Henoko Bay. The announcement by the central government overrides the Governor, who is acting with the support of the Okinawan people, and ignores recent revelations that the Environmental Impact Assessment was not only flawed, but allegedly corrupt.

“This decision is an insult to the people who have worked so hard, for so long, to have their voices heard. It is shocking that the government is failing to protect Japan’s endangered species and trampling over the wishes of so many Okinawans. Any responsible government would press pause, and support a full investigation into this debacle,” said Kazue Komatsubara, Greenpeace Japan Oceans Campaigner.

On 19 October this year, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported that contractors and consultants associated with the proposed construction of the military base in Henoko had made financial “donations” worth 11 million yen, which were accepted by three members of the government committee set up to oversee the EIA process. The Committee and process were set up by the Department of Defense, even though the DoD had a clear vested interest in getting the construction approved.

The Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior is setting sail for Okinawa later this week, after accepting the invitation of local citizens’ groups and politicians for Greenpeace to pay a goodwill visit to the island. Greenpeace has stood with the people fighting the proposed relocation of this military base to Oura Bay in the past, with Greenpeace ships and crew acting in solidarity with local communities in 2005 and 2007, and have been actively working with local groups throughout 2015.

“We stand with the majority of Okinawans who are against the expansion of this base and demand the protection of Henoko Bay and the rare and vulnerable marine life that depends on it.”

Source: Greenpeace International