One
of the few nature reserves in Tokyo Bay is about to be shut down by
the Chiba local government. The Observatory, which once was
wildlife-rich wetlands, is located less than 10 miles from the Tokyo
city centre. The locals and the staff have been working very, very
hard to keep this place as wildlife friendly as possible, although
its surroundings have been deteriorating for the last few decades. It
includes a 140-acre wildlife protection area with a record of more
than 280 bird species, a visitor centre (+educational facilities) and
a wildbird hospital.
The
government claims that the visitor centre, which is a three-storied,
glass-fronted building with about 50 embedded telescopes, which was
built in the 70s, is now below the earthquake resistance standards
and no longer safe for users. Instead of presenting any options, such
as rebuilding or reinforcing it, the government seem to have made up
their minds to close it down. If we do not do anything now, it is
almost certain that the observatory will be a thing of the past.
Please,
please take part in the petition.
Thank
you very much for your support!
