The Nansei Islands contain one of the world's most valuable natural environments and the area is a candidate for being made a World Natural Heritage Site. However, its current measures for protecting against invasive species are insufficient and it has too few protected zones to be selected. Furthermore, large-scale landfill in areas with coral reefs, and roads being planned and laid through forests are escalating the conflict between conservation and development. There are regional organizations on each island working to provide environmental education and conservation initiatives, but shortages of manpower, funds, and information mean these efforts are not necessarily sustainable, and there is a need for collaboration and partnerships between the different parties involved. Kumejima is an area possessing great biodiversity, including Ramsar Convention registered wetlands, but measures to tackle red clay runoff are urgently needed. WWF Japan aims to position the island as a model site for implementing regional-focused conservation measures, such as fact-finding surveys of island environmental conditions, courses for local organizations and schools, and field activities.