The IB course's special program "CASx" recently held a research expedition in Chichijima, part of the Ogasawara Islands. Now in its fourth year, the program took place from July 10th to July 18th, offering students a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the rich natural environment and biodiversity of the Ogasawara Islands, with the cooperation of the Ogasawara Marine Center.

Chichijima, the fourth site in Japan to be designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage, follows Shiretoko, Shirakami-Sanchi, and Yakushima. The island is accessible by a 24-hour ferry ride from Tokyo's Takeshiba Terminal. During their 8-night, 9-day stay, the students visited the Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara World Heritage Center, and Ogasawara Visitor Center. They engaged in activities such as sea turtle research, forest tours, stargazing tours, snorkeling, and dolphin swims, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the island's flora, fauna, and ecosystem.

At the Ogasawara Marine Center, students participated in activities like studying sea turtle ecology, cleaning tanks, polishing turtle shells, and feeding the turtles. They conducted land surveys at Senoura Beach and Kominato Beach during the day and joined night patrols at Omura Beach (Maehama). They also visited Minamijima, where they studied sea turtle behavior and the island's ecosystem. On the forest tour, guided by a local expert, they explored the "Sanctuary," a protected forest ecosystem, observing endemic plants. At the Ogasawara World Heritage Center and Ogasawara Visitor Center, students learned about the unique plants, animals, and history of the islands. Experiences like dolphin swims and snorkeling allowed them to enjoy the sight of dolphins and fish swimming right before their eyes.

Through this  9-day program, students had the chance to reflect on important questions such as "What does it mean to protect nature?" "How can humans coexist with nature?" and "What can we do to preserve the landscapes of Ogasawara for future generations?" This expedition provided them with valuable insights and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.