In addition to its
biological importance to the world scientific community and its
contributions to education and human resources, this proposal includes a
unique value-added component, a human dimension that goes beyond the typical
survey or inventory request. The southern Kuril Islands have been the
focus of intense dispute between the governments of Russia and Japan
since the close of World War II. These differences have severely
impaired communication and trust between the two nations, not only among
their politicians but among scientists and educators as well. Active
collaboration on "disputed territory" will foster greater understanding among
Russians, Japanese, and Americans, and the enthusiastic media attention
that we are sure to receive will send an international message of mutual
cooperation.
In addition to its
biological importance to the world scientific community and its
contributions to education and human resources, this proposal includes a
unique value-added component, a human dimension that goes beyond the typical
survey or inventory request. The southern Kuril Islands have been the
focus of intense dispute between the governments of Russia and Japan
since the close of World War II. These differences have severely
impaired communication and trust between the two nations, not only among
their politicians but among scientists and educators as well. Active
collaboration on "disputed territory" will foster greater understanding among
Russians, Japanese, and Americans, and the enthusiastic media attention
that we are sure to receive will send an international message of mutual
cooperation.