Environment minister suggests Kerama Islands may win National Park status

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Tuesday, 9th July 2013
In General Japan News,

Environment minister suggests Kerama Islands may win National Park status

It's been some 26 years since Japan had part of its landscape designated as a national park, but all that is about to change as the Kerama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture are to receive the honour.

That is according to Nobuteru Ishihara, Japan's environment minister, who explained on July 2nd that the area, which is renowned for its sea life, will be protected with its new status.

Although the islands are currently part of the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, this will be cancelled once it is recognised in its own right.

Wildlife enthusiasts visit the area as it is known as a breeding ground for humpback whales and the islands are also home to some 248 individual coral.

The environment ministry also made note of its marine environment such as clear waters, white sand beaches and reefs.

The Kerama Islands are made up of 22 land masses, four of which are inhabited.

Written by Mark Smith