Lounge
December 26, 2014
NEWS: "Sailors for the Sea," Aiming for Healthy Oceans, Launches in Japan!
NEWS｜Hosting Charity Receptions and Eco-Conscious Yacht Races
Sailors for the Sea, a U.S. Non-Profit Aiming for Healthy Oceans, Launches in Japan!
Sailors for the Sea (SFS), an American non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the ocean's limited resources and fostering a healthy environment, has established its first overseas branch in Japan, where it is currently preparing for incorporation. Ahead of this, unique initiatives such as a charity reception and an environmentally conscious yacht race have already begun in February, increasing its presence in Japan.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Founded in 2004 by a Couple Passionate About the Sea
SFS was founded in 2004 by David Rockefeller Jr., chairman of Rockefeller Group, and his wife, filmmaker Susan Rockefeller. SFS is known for its diverse activities, including providing educational opportunities for marine sports enthusiasts, those involved in fisheries, and everyone connected to the sea; protecting marine nature and the environment; advocating for the securement of marine-derived food resources; and serving as the official sustainability sponsor for the America's Cup, the world's premier yacht race.
Its activities are gradually becoming known in Japan. On February 6th, the Rockefellers visited Japan and co-hosted a charity reception in Tokyo with the Swiss luxury watch maison, Girard-Perregaux.
At the reception, a short documentary titled 'Mission of Mermaids,' directed by Susan Rockefeller, was screened. The film depicts the marine environmental issues currently being faced, such as ocean acidification, overfishing of marine life, and water pollution, through the eyes of a legendary mermaid. Additionally, Girard-Perregaux announced the 'Seahawk Mission of Mermaids,' a special model produced in honor of the couple's environmental efforts, with only 20 units available worldwide, and a charity raffle was held to raise funds for the charity.
Prior to the charity reception, on February 3rd, the first "Sailors for the Sea Cup Clean Regatta" was held in Japan, adhering to the environmental protection standards set by SFS. Approximately 30 boats and 180 participants enjoyed the race, feeling the blessings of the sea.
In the future, SFS plans to expand its activities to include beach cleanups and environmental education for children. What can we do now to protect the invaluable marine environment for us, who live in an island nation surrounded by the sea? What must be done? We should pay attention to the future activities of SFS, which highlights these issues and brings the distance between us and the sea closer.
Sailors for the Sea
http://sailorsfortheseajp.jp/