Japan Tsunami: Local efforts continue a year later

March 11, 2012 marked the one-year anniversary of the deadly Tohuku earthquake and tsunami along the coast of Japan. The tsunami killed and injured thousands and caused a number of nuclear meltdowns. The entire coastline and countless lives were left in shambles.

Many challenges remain for the communities affected by the disaster, especially in the area near the destroyed Fukushima nuclear reactor. According to The Guardian, radiation levels are much higher than thought and radioactive water has been leaking into the ocean.

Over the past year, grassroots groups have led recovery efforts to help those affected by the disaster. Looking forward, these local organizations are pushing for a nuclear-free energy future. Here are some of the local groups you’ve helped us support over the past year:

Green Action strives to move Japanese energy policy away from nuclear energy by working with partner non-governmental organizations, the public, youth groups, consumer organizations, and scientists.

With help of a small grant, Green Action is working to refocus Japanese energy policy. In the past year, the organization began a national campaign against nuclear power and worked on citizen contamination monitoring in communities near nuclear power plants . Additionally, the organization is working to close the Hamaoka nuclear power plant near Tokyo, which is the most earthquake prone site in Japan.

Collaboration Center for Hanshin Quake Rehabilitation is committed to supporting relief work after the 2011 earthquake.

In the past year, the Center has initiated income-generating activities for the relief of the East Japan earthquake. Specifically, the Collaboration Center for Hanshin Quake Rehabilitation has introduced an activity to make a handicraft called “Makenaizou,” (meaning “Never Give Up”), which is an elephant-shaped towel made by local artisans. These towels will be sold for 400 yen each, 300 of which will support the recovery process from the earthquake.

Save Watari Kids supports a parent-led initiative in Watari to establish plans for evacuation to protect children and community members from further radiation exposure.

Watari has some of the highest radiation levels in the region since the tsunami and is in the process of undergoing decontamination. To facilitate this and keep children away from dangerous locations, the organization will aid in mapping the district and radiation levels. Global Greengrants Fund is helping Save Watari Kids prepare these evacuation programs for Watari residents.

Japan RQ Disaster Education Center engages and aids Japanese tsunami-affected communities through empowerment and tourism activities. The organization provides psychological help and relief to victims of the disaster and encourages tourism as a means for spreading awareness and continuing support for relief initiatives.

Global Greengrants Fund helped support training programs for Japan RQ Disaster Education Center staff so that they can better develop effective community empowerment activities in tsunami-affected communities. The Center is bringing together people to provide relief as well as psychological help for victims of the disaster. The Japan RQ Disaster Education Center is also establishing tourism-based initiatives to bring people to the area and inspire continued concern for relief initiatives.

With the generous support of our donors, Global Greengrants Fund has supported more than ten grassroots projects in Japan over the last year. Together, these organizations are leading local rebuilding and relief efforts and helping to change policies, plans, and services to protect people and ecosystems in an uncertain future.