Unveiling the Secrets of the Okapi’s Homeland: Yokohama Zoo and JICA Collaborate on a Unique Educational Seminar
Yokohama, Japan – On August 18, 2025, at 07:20, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced a special collaborative event with the Yokohama Zoological Gardens (Zoorasia), titled “Let’s Get to Know the Okapi’s Homeland: Deepening Understanding of the Congo Basin, the ‘Lungs of the Earth’.” This engaging seminar promises to offer attendees a fascinating glimpse into the vital ecosystem that is home to the elusive Okapi, an animal renowned for its striking zebra-like legs and shy demeanor.
The partnership between JICA, an organization dedicated to fostering sustainable development and international cooperation, and Yokohama’s Zoorasia, a leading institution in wildlife conservation and education, highlights a shared commitment to raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the conservation challenges faced by unique species and their habitats.
The seminar will specifically focus on the Congo Basin, a vast and biodiverse region in Central Africa often referred to as the “Lungs of the Earth” due to its critical role in regulating the global climate through its extensive rainforests. These forests are not only a sanctuary for a multitude of plant and animal species, including the Okapi (Okapi johnstoni), but also play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus impacting the health of our planet.
Attendees can anticipate an educational and insightful exploration of the Congo Basin’s rich natural heritage. Discussions are expected to cover the ecological significance of the rainforest, the unique flora and fauna that inhabit it, and the conservation efforts underway to protect this invaluable ecosystem. The seminar will likely delve into the specific challenges faced by the Okapi in its natural environment, such as habitat loss and human encroachment, and the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues.
This initiative by JICA and Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia serves as a timely reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the responsibility we share in preserving its wonders for future generations. By shedding light on the Okapi’s homeland, the organizers aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the Congo Basin’s ecological importance and inspire a greater commitment to its conservation. Further details regarding the seminar’s specific program and registration will be made available by JICA.
よこはま動物園ズーラシア・JICA共催「オカピのふるさとを知ろう：『地球の肺』コンゴ盆地について理解を深める」
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国際協力機構 published ‘よこはま動物園ズーラシア・JICA共催「オカピのふるさとを知ろう：『地球の肺』コンゴ盆地について理解を深める」’ at 2025-08-18 07:20. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.