OIST's Environmental Science Section (ESS) and Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit are leading efforts to address invasive ant species in Okinawa. Activities include regular surveys at ports and other locations, monitoring invasive species distributions, conducting fire ant identification training for government officials and logistics operators, and raising public awareness through workshops. OIST also collaborates with University of the Ryukyus, Naha City, the Ministry of the Environment, National Taiwan University, and the National Fire Ant Control Center, Taiwan on invasive ant control initiatives. These efforts support the protection of Okinawa's biodiversity and ecosystems through coordinated monitoring and management activities.
