Hesitant Heritage: U.S. Bases on Okinawa and Japan's Flawed Bid for Yambaru Forest World Heritage Status

Japan's bid to designate the Yambaru Forest as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was hindered by the presence of U.S. military bases on Okinawa Island, complicating its eligibility for natural heritage status. The study highlights how geopolitical tensions and conservation goals intersect, demonstrating that such conflicts can undermine efforts to protect significant ecological areas. The research examines Japan's 2019 nomination process, analyzing the challenges posed by the overlapping interests of military presence and biodiversity conservation in the Ryukyu archipelago.

Hideki, Y. (2019). Hesitant Heritage: U.S. Bases on Okinawa and Japan’s Flawed Bid for Yambaru Forest World Heritage Status. Asia-Pacific Journal, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.1017/s1557466019015249