Midori Ippai Project Activities LINE 201Participation in 2016 Autumn "Fujimae Higata Cleaning Mission" October 29, 2016 NTT West Tokai Group
On October 29, 2016 (Saturday), a total of 66 employees, family members and retirees of NTT West Tokai Group took part in the "Fujimae Higata Cleaning Mission."
Organized by the Fujimae Higata Cleaning Mission Executive Committee (NPO Fujimae Higata Protection Association, etc.), this is a cleaning activity that is held twice a year in spring and autumn around Fujimae Higata (tidal flat) at the mouth of Shonai River and Shinkawa River (Nagoya, Minato-ku).
The event was on the verge of being canceled due to the rainy weather on the previous day, but fortunately the sky cleared up and the autumn weather was pleasant on the day of the event. After the opening address by the General Affairs Department Manager of Tokai Regional Headquarters, the participants were divided into three groups and moved to the cleaning area that was 1km away from the bank. Our group carried out cleaning at the location that was the furthest away among all the participating companies.
Although located inside Nagoya City, Fujimae Higata (tidal flat) is richly endowed with nature and renowned as a stopover site for many migratory birds. It has also been designated as a wildlife reserve under the Ramsar Convention.
Participants picked up litter such as plastic bottles and empty cans as well as large-sized trash such as tires as they plowed through the reeds that were as tall as them. They also paid careful attention to pick up small plastic fragments that were hidden far inside the reeds, as these may also be a crucial factor that damages the health of the migratory birds.
In about 90 minutes' time, piles of garbage were built up along the levee.
Although there was strong wind at times that prevented the activity from progressing smoothly, all the participants completed the task safely without any injury.
笳蹴esult of cleaning activity (data released by organizer)
- Total no. of participants: 588
*No. of participants from NTT West Tokai Group: 66 (including Secretariat)
- Amount of garbage collected
Combustible: 783 bags
Non-combustible: 203 bags
Recyclable: 78 bags (45-liter bag)
According to the organizer, the amount of garbage has been decreasing every year, although the reason remains unknown, which could be due to the typhoons this year or the stronger awareness toward environmental conservation in recent years. It is hoped that the amount will continue to decrease in future.
At the end of the cleaning activity, all the participants took a commemorative photo. In the afternoon, five of the participants took part in a bird-watching session, where they learned that the tidal flat is a valuable natural environment for living creatures that inhabit the area as well as a resting place for migratory birds. It was a good opportunity for each and every participant to develop an awareness toward environmental protection.
- Participating companies
- NTT West Tokai Regional Headquarters
NTT West Tokai Nagoya Branch
NTT Business Solutions Tokai Branch
NTT Marketing Act Tokai Branch
NTT Fieldtechno Tokai Branch
NTT Neomeit Tokai Branch
NTT Business Associe West Tokai Branch
NTT-West Business Front Tokai Branch
*Tokai Denden-kyuyukai (organization for retirees) - Venue
- Around Fujimae Higata (tidal flat) at the mouth of Shonai River and Shinkawa River (Nagoya, Minato-ku)
- No. of participants
- 66
