Review: Drawing the Sea Near: Sautomi and Coral Reef Conservation in Okinawa

Abstract

Claus details an introductory case study of the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) involvement in Shiraho, Japan decades ago. A proposed airport threatened the region’s blue coral reefs. Shiraho became a pivotal point in WWF’s history, the case where it flexed its muscles and practiced strategies it became known for globally: the creation of national spaces meant to protect nature from development. While WWF’s efforts were initially supported on the ground, its long-term strategy brought ire from Shiraho residents. In sharing this narrative, Claus centered on the realization that explained the discontent of Shiraho residents in WWF’s transition from short to long-term: when it comes to long-term conservation efforts, long-term plans must meet the sensibilities of residents.