Science Class Held on the Connections between Rocket Launches and Marine Turtles

n late June and early July 2015 the MHI Group supported the "Tanegashima Loggerhead Turtle Survey," an event targeted at preservation of biodiversity. To teach the science class in Yokohama, the Group called on Yoshimasa Matsuzawa (PhD), who headed the team that undertook last year's survey. Mr. Matsuzawa is also involved in evaluating the level of endangerment of loggerhead turtles as Regional Vice Chair of the Marine Turtle Specialist Group, an organization within the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Species Survival Commission (SSC).

Mr. Matsuzawa explained what kind of animal marine turtles are, what biodiversity is, what connections exist between space development and marine turtles, and what the "Tanegashima Loggerhead Turtle Survey" is all about. His explanations were very easy to understand, mixed with enjoyable quiz questions. He also showed the participants specimens of a marine turtle shell and immersed turtle eggs. The participants came away from the class with an appreciation of the profundity of marine turtle life and the need for their protection.

The "Tanegashima Loggerhead Turtle Survey" will continue in FY2016.