The mission of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Officer Candidate School is to provide students the basic knowledge and technical skills necessary for entry-level officers, offering education that focuses on fostering seamanship and leadership. At Etajima, which Maritime Self-Defense Force officers consider their “home away from home,” all officers acquire specialized knowledge and capacities necessary for seamen, as well as an international outlook, language skills, and flexibility for coping with the ever-changing ocean.

Climate change risk arising in the Pacific Islands is taking diverse and pernicious forms. Ocean temperatures, changing frequencies of tropical cyclones, and rising sea levels affect marine and terrestrial ecosystems as well as local communities, livelihoods, and cultures. Climate-fragility risks are also on the rise, from forced migration to economic activities to the disappearance of maritime boundary basepoints. Without the support of development and climate security partners, Pacific Island nations cannot adapt to climate change while maintaining minimal disruption.

“Science Communication” - a concept linking science and society that encourages positive social change on a scientific basis - is gathering attention as a new approach for changing minds and behaviors in order to create a sustainable future. I would like to introduce an example of a collaboration between community and science in which artists and designers undertake a project related to conservation of the coral reef ecosystems of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture.