Peace Boat responds

The mission of Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Centre is to provide support for the long term social and economic recovery of the Tohoku region of Japan that was affected by the earthquake and tsunami of March 11 2011, focusing on the city of Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture and its environs. Peace Boat works in consultation and partnership with local communities, responding to their situation and needs, enabling and empowering them as part of the recovery process.

Peace Boat's operations focus on the training and deployment of volunteers in the belief that volunteers can provide essential support in the physical regeneration of Tohoku, and that the human solidarity they provide is a vital factor in a comprehensive recovery of the region.

Nearly a year has passed since the earthquake and tsunami struck the north east coast, and the city of Ishinomaki has taken considerable steps along the path to recovery. Shops have reopened, factories and fisheries are restarting their operations and many areas of the city are now clear from the mud and debris left by the tsunami. Even with successes, there is still a very long way to go. Peace Boat projects initially focused on the clearance of tsunami mud and debris, hot meal distribution and relief goods distribution. Our projects have evolved with the needs of the community, and as emergency relief became long term recovery more specialised support has been provided. This has included diverse projects such as assisting fishermen in establishing seaweed farms, cleaning machines for factories, and providing communal spaces and a weekly newsletter for residents of the temporary houses.

Peace Boat is committed to working in the area for the foreseeable future so that we can continue to provide support to local residents.