What I learned from investigating coral in Mauritius.

Yesterday afternoon, I spent time surveying coral reefs (Flic en Flac). The photos show the coral in good condition. However, only about 10% of the reef is covered in coral. Coral is not just for aesthetic purposes; it's essential for maintaining island nations' disaster prevention functions. Mauritius' coral reefs are rapidly declining. Because Mauritius is isolated, thousands of kilometers away, it cannot receive coral eggs from other island nations. As an island nation with no hope of external improvements, it must develop its own unique conservation methods. Until they get on track, I believe Japan must continue to support these efforts with its passion, experience, and technology. I believe the experience gained here will one day contribute to Japan's coral reef conservation efforts. I believe it's important for Japan's aid to be more than just one-way, but to bring back that experience and utilize it in Japan. Aid that looks beyond the immediate future and further contributes to Japan's development. It's time for Japan to consider its own unique approach to diplomacy through international aid.