>> 5th

Making residents "guardians of the environment"

In July of this year, HANDS invited a Japanese expert on agro-florestry (forestry farming) from the Tomé Açu settlement in the state of Pará to conduct a seminar that toured the community. The seminar was funded by the Japan Fund for Global Environment (Japan Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency).

At first glance, this doesn't seem to be related to health and hygiene, but Sadamori says seriously, "When residents leave their communities, environmental destruction progresses." Because of the city's vast size, illegal logging of rainforests has already begun in the southern part of the city, and illegal logging tends to start in places where communities have disappeared.

HANDS thought that economic stability was important to prevent the community from falling apart. This initiative was started as part of efforts to cultivate a diversity of crops in a natural environment, without relying solely on bananas and mandiocas.

"I want the local residents to be the 'guardians of the forest' and keep a watchful eye on reckless development," Sadamori said, emphasizing the need to not only spread knowledge about health and hygiene, but also to keep an eye on environmental conservation.

In anticipation of the project's completion next year, an organization called IDEAS (Amazon Sustainable Development Association) was established to take over the project's activities. The name was chosen in anticipation of the project's focus on the environment.

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In fact, just before the Human Childbirth Seminar, the condition of Sadamori's second newborn baby had worsened, and Sadamori chartered a plane to urgently transport the baby to a hospital in the state capital of Manaus. There was a possibility that the baby would need surgery, and although he didn't show it on his face, he must have been extremely worried deep down.

Midway through the seminar, three former trainees suddenly took the lead and called on local health workers from remote communities with whom Sadamori had close ties to come forward, and half the people in the venue moved en masse.

Everyone prays for the condition of Sadamori's child to improve.

Even though he had called for people to participate, Sadamori himself had not expected so many people to come from far away. At the end, Sadamori was called to the center, and everyone raised their hands up and made a gesture as if they were sending their thoughts to Sadamori in the center, as if they were praying.

Everyone prayed for the child's condition to improve, and then sang "Amigo para semple" (Friend Forever).

In the face of this unexpected turn of events, Sadamori wiped away the tears that were streaming down his face and expressed his gratitude without words. It was a moment when he found himself being encouraged by the people he was supposed to be supporting.

Residents of the river in remote areas took to the microphone one after another to say things like, "We all love you. We sincerely hope that your child gets better," and gave him abrazos (hugs).

Sadamori must have realized how much the people relied on and loved him.

At the conclusion of the seminar, Oginia Meireles, an elder teacher who came from the farthest community, 28 hours away, took the microphone and said, "HANDS always thinks from our side. What they have told us is truly important. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them," and offered up a prayer to God.

The Sadamoris did their best to care for him, but the second son passed away on November 20th. The prayers of the Kawamin were not answered. This may be another tragedy brought about by the poor medical system in the remote area that Sadamori is working hard to solve.

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Brazil is not a pretty world. Even if you like it at first, you will inevitably see many unpleasant aspects. There are also vested interests due to the disparity in society. In a world where interests are intricately intertwined, movements that try to change things from the bottom of society face strong opposition.

When asked why he is so hung up on Hakukoku, Sadamori replied, "To be honest, there are more things I don't like about it than anything else. But I don't want to quit halfway through. I'll feel at ease once I see IDEAS in action." He's pretty stubborn.

Sadamori emphasizes, "In this globalized world, it is impossible for Japan alone to be happy. Now more than ever, it is important to work to lend a helping hand to people in need around the world."

He went on to say that compared to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France, "Japan's NGO activities in international contributions are still weak. For example, Japan does not have an NGO with an international voice like Doctors Without Borders (MSH)," and stressed the importance of nurturing such organizations.

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*This article was originally published in the Nikkei Shimbun on December 3, 2008 and is reprinted with permission.

*The Nikkei Shimbun ( www.nikkeyshimbun.com.br ) is a Japanese language newspaper published in Sao Paulo City, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, for immigrants, Japanese descendants, and expatriates.

© 2008 Nikkey Shimbun