Folks:
While I appreciate that the subject matter may not strictly speaking fit
into the brief of all mailing lists to which I am sending this, I trust that
as birders we would all appreicate that issues such as this transcend mere
convenience boundaries. I would urge all to read, consider, contemplate and
act if the urge arises.
I admit to being at a loss as to the next appropriate step that can be taken
by the Japanese birders/ conservationists but I'll certainly be dropping a
line to the people/bodies quoted. That "title" of mine has to have some
worth somewhere along the line (I hope!)
>Subject: Fujimae next!
>
>To Friends of Fujimae,
>and all who have been involved in helping Fujimae survive
>
>
>Thank you sincerely for your previous letters to Nagoya Mayor
>or the council deliberating environmental impact of
>the garbage dump project on Fujimae tidal flats, and
>thank you for your all kinds of care and support for Fujimae
>and its accommodating migratory birds.
>
>In spite of all our efforts and concern, I, today, with
>disappointment and anger, have to give you a very bad news
>over the progress of Fujimae matter.
>
>
>[Progress]
>
>The council met on January 28, 1998, second time this year
>after the one on January 8th, to examine the results of
>*supplementary survey* conducted by the project planner, Nagoya city,
>>from August to November last year. At the meeting on January 8th,
>the council reportedly agreed that the supplementary survey was
>*almost appropriate*.
>The council did not come to a conclusion as a few council members
>strongly argued for the necessity of *spring survey* for proper
>judgment. Yet, the direction of the conclusion was virtually set.
>
>Accordingly, the one on January 28th was, in fact, for outlining
>the council*s report to approve the garbage dump construction.
>With this progress reports, we have to say that the council has
>gave up their responsibility to scientifically examine the validity
>of environmental impact survey done by Nagoya City.
>
>
>[Conclusion Without Spring Survey]
>
>KYODO reported just that the council was going to start outlining
>the report at the next meeting on February 12. Detailed information
>provided by Tokai version of major newspapers such as Asahi, Chunichi,
>Mainichi, Yomiuri, and Nikkei, however, suggests that the next meeting
>will be a decisive one to approve the construction.
>
>The council is still pending the discussion over whether or not
>it requests Nagoya City the spring survey, which is essential to
>evaluate Fujimae*s significance. It, however, is very unlikely that
>the council changes their conclusion after the spring survey even i
>f it is conducted, because report making after the survey is advocated
>by just a few members who are actually isolated in the council.
>
>
>[Artificial Tidal Flats]
>
>Mr. Masataka Sato, chairman of the council, reportedly stated that
>the council agreed that "the construction*s negative influence on the
>natural environment cannot be denied."
>The council, therefore, will request to Nagoya Mayor (1) designation
>of Fujimae and its adjacent areas as a wildlife sanctuary, while
>approving the construction, and (2) establishment of special committee
>to improve the quality of the site after filling up the garbage dump
>better than now by, for example, planning the creation of artificial
>tidal flats or other environmentally kind use of the site.
>
>If the council recognizes the negative impact over the natural environment,
>why don*t they request Nagoya City examination of alternative sites
>or preservation of Fujimae tidal flats?
>This should be because the council first had the conclusion of approving
>the construction, and then thought about the reasoning that won*t invite
>too much criticism.
>
>
>[Help Us! Help Fujimae! Please give us Your Idea & Opinion!]
>
>The Save the Fujimae Association submitted, on January 27th, a day
>before the last meeting, an opinion letter pointing out improper
>methods taken at the last fall*s supplementary survey.
>The letter clarified wrong survey methods taken for migratory birds,
>biomass and water purification functions of the tidal flats, to prove
>the necessity of spring survey for appropriate judgment.
>Unfortunately, however, nothing shows that those points were discussed
>at the last council meeting.
>
>I, so far, have wanted to trust and expect the job of the council
>because the members are honorable researchers and scientists who have
>long experience in their own special fields. I have believed them because t
>is clear for a scientist that there is no such scientific survey that has
>definite conclusion and appreciation first.
>
>Very unfortunately, it turned out that I was too optimistic. But, am I?
>Cannot be any council to work on the scientific belief?
>If there can be any such council, then how should I call for?
>
>Please tell me how, if you know any. Please, help!
>
>Atsuo Tsuji, Save the Fujimae Association
><<>>
>
>
>P.S.
>
>We would like to bring "double voices" from the world to Nagoya Mayor
>and the council until 12 February(next council's meeting).
>Please write again and ask for your friends or spread this campaign to
>your internet.
>
>Thank you for your cooperation in advance.
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>Please write to:
>
>*Mayor Takehisa Matsubara, Mayor of Nagoya City
> Fax: +81-52-972-4105
>
>*The council deliberating environmental impact of the garbage dump
> project on Fujimae tidal flats,
> Fax: +81-52-972-4155
>
>*The Honorable Hiroshi Ohki,
> Director General of the Environment Agency of Japan
> Fax: +81-3-3508-9573
> E-mail:
>
>Please send a copy of your letter or fax to:
> >> Save Fujimae Association <<
> >> c/o Atsuo Tsuji Dept. of Math., Meijo University <<
> >> Tempaku-ku, Nagoya 468, JAPAN <<
> >> Fax: +81-52-832-1169 <<
> >> E-mail: <<
> >> Homepage: http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~fujimae/ <<
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
Julian Bielewicz
Past President
Queensland Ornithological Society
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