2. What is the Ogasawara
Archipelago?
The Ogasawara Archipelago is a group of small islands located
1000km south of Tokyo, on the Pacific Ocean.
It was discovered in 1593 by one of the lieges of the royal families
of Japan.
It was recently registered (2011) as a World Heritage Site due to its
unique landform and natural evolution.
4. Attractions at the sea and coast
Whale-watching and dolphin swimming
Snorkeling is also very popular, especially in the
Minamizaki Beach.
White sand beaches like Kopepe Beach, Minamijima
Beach and Sakaiura Beach.
Minamijima
Beach, south of
Chichijima Island.
6. Attractions on land
One can go to the battle grounds form World War II in
Chichijima, specifically, Sakaiura Beach.
Trekking is very popular too, especially in Mount Kofuji,
located in Hahajima and Mount Chuo in Chichijima.
Night tours are also very popular.
There are a lot of organisms which cannot be found on
any other place in the world. (eg. the Bonin White Eyes,
the Meguro, the Bonin Flying Fox etc.)
8. Negative Impacts of Tourism in
Ogasawara Archipelago
Overfishing is a major problem in Ogasawara due
to the popularity of sushi and other Japanese fish
dishes with both foreign and local tourists.
Many footpaths in Mount Chuo have been eroded
due to the ever increasing number of tourists.
The sea turtle population is diminishing since it is a
major source of income for the locals.
9. Positive Impacts of Tourism in the
Ogasawara Archipelago
All natural habitats are protected by UNESCO and
the Japanese government. Logging and felling of
trees, destruction of plants for souvenirs and
camping is illegal.
Tourism has actually saved some animal species.
Recently a the Bonin pigeon conservation
programme was enacted, to protect these
endangered birds.
Due to the Ogasawara Management Committee,
the number of people allowed to come to the
Archipelago was controlled. This has decreased the
number of damaged footpaths and littered beaches.
One cannot stay in Ogasawara for more than 4
10. More Positive Impacts
About 10 years ago, a new law was made in
Ogasawara; no foreign seeds, plant embryo or animal is
allowed in the island. This is to protect the natural
balance of the fragile ecosystem in Ogasawara.
All forests and mountains are off-limits to tourists if they
have no tour guide. This is so that the plants and
animals can be protected from them.
Animals which were known to be endangered before the
tourism boom in Ogasawara are now tracked and
conserved by the authorities. This is to sustain the
tourism industry for the future.
Notas do Editor
Note: the archipelago was NEVER connected to a mainland in the past; that’s why it has organisms you can never find on continents!An archipelago is a group of small islands
Sakaiura Beach was a world war 2 battle site. There is a submerged warship in the coast and it is very popular with snorkelers.