Profile of Dr. Jack T. Moyer:
A marine biologist, born in Kansas, USA, Dr. Moyer holds a Masters degree from Michigan University and a PhD from the University of Tokyo. Based in Miyake Island, he continues his research of wild birds, sea mammal, coral and fish, while engaged in environmental education and ecotourism activities. He is the author of "Dr. Moyer's Life on Miyake Island," "Dolphins of Mikura Island" and other books.

Environmental Education and Ocean Ecotours
I am dedicated to environmental education and I believe that ecotourism is one form of education. Ecotourism in my view involves living with nature without destroying it, and providing economic benefit to the local community. It is a form of tourism that can be continued by our children, grandchildren and many generations to follow.

In Japan, there is a great amount of wonderful nature that the Japanese people are not aware of. My wish is to introduce them as much as possible wherever possible

I discovered the beautiful nature of Miyake Island when I first came to Japan in 1952. Currently we have all been evacuated from the island due to the volcanic eruption, but situated at a latitude of 34 degrees, it is a treasure house of about a hundred different types of rare coral. Once we are able to return to Miyake Island, I am certain that ecotourism will become popular and will support the economy of the island.

Also among the Izu Island chain, there is also Mikura Island, which is the home of many endemic thrush and bottlenose dolphins, and the world's best spot for dolphin swimming.

However, for human beings to live harmoniously with these creatures and the nature that nurture them, education is important. In the summer schools we organize, children swim under cliffs. The first reaction of the teachers and parents is "It's dangerous. Who will take responsibility if there is an accident?" But it is not only the sea that is dangerous. Mountains are just as dangerous. The important thing is that children understand why it is dangerous and what kind of behavior is dangerous. This is important not just in the ocean but for all types of ecotourism to ensure that a tour is safe for both human beings and other creatures.

Highly qualified guides are also needed. The guides must be able to offer a broad range of knowledge to the tourists and must be able to care for them. They must be able to sense the mood, whether the tourists are enjoying themselves or are afraid, thus allowing them to participate in the tour with a sense of ease.

It is also essential to build a relationship with the local inhabitants. These people have always coexisted closely with their natural environment, which provide the setting for ecotourism, so it is important that the profit from ecotourism is returned to the local community.

Furthermore, I think it is crucial to develop regulations. For example, on Mikura Island, an association has set down its own rules to protect the dolphins there. Japan has great potential for ecotourism, but each region needs to set up its own theme and rules.

My concept of ecotourism is protecting the nature of the region and at the same time, protecting the people who have been living there. Every region has its natural heritage and culture rooted in its people's lifestyle. So my wish is to protect them both, and teach children about the importance of preservation through their experience in our summer school programs.