Okinawa Coastal Protection Alliance
OCPA DBA “Churamura” is a legally registered non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the natural coastline and sea turtle populations in Okinawa. The financial structure of OCPA is supported by a combination of donations, grants, and fundraising efforts aimed at sustaining the organization’s rescue, rehabilitation, and educational programs. As a Japanese 501(c)(3) entity, it ensures full transparency and accountability in its financial operations, with all funds directed toward conservation efforts and continuity. The corporate structure of OCPA includes a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, overseen by a Board of Directors as well as external Auditor and CTAs who provide strategic fiscal guidance and governance. This team works collaboratively with local and international conservation bodies, ensuring that their activities align with global best practices in marine conservation. The organization is committed to financial stewardship, regularly providing updates to donors and stakeholders to demonstrate the impact of their contributions. Through careful financial planning and management, OCPA continues to build a sustainable future for sea turtles and the natural environment while fostering a sense of community involvement in marine conservation.
 
What is CHURAMURA?
OCPA is the registered legal name behind the management of CHURAMURA operations.
CHURAMURA is committed to protecting Okinawa’s marine and coastal environments through direct conservation, cleanup activities, environmental education, and policy advocacy. Formed in 2020 but officially recognized by the Japanese Government in 2021, and hence formed in Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture. 
CHURAMURA began its mission by focusing on the protection of endangered sea turtles, conducting beach and underwater cleanups, and raising environmental awareness. This mission is rooted in the belief that the presence of wild sea turtles is a symbol of the rich and fragile natural ecosystem of Okinawa’s seas.
CHURAMURA was launched with a clear and powerful purpose: to ensure that sea turtles — which have existed on Earth for millions of years — are not lost to extinction. When baby turtles hatch on Okinawa’s shores and return roughly 20 years later to lay their own eggs, CHURAMURA hopes they will be welcomed back to a safe and healthy coastline. By protecting these animals and the environment they depend on, CHURAMURA strives to pass on a vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem to future generations — so they too can witness the return of these extraordinary creatures.
CHURAMURA operates through three core divisions, each addressing key aspects of marine and coastal conservation:
*Sea turtle conservation– 24hr Rescue Operations, stranding surveys, nest protection, research etc.
*Environmental Conservation – Regular island-wide trash removal including dune & vegetation management, as well as underwater “ghostgear” cleanup operations. 
*Environmental Education and Community Engagement
     (Working towards establishing Japan’s first Ocean Conservation and Sea Turtle Rescue Center including Government and Tourism Advocacy)

Membership Guide & Articles of Association
OCPA is registered as 一般社団法人 (Ippan Shadan Hōjin) which translates to General Incorporated Association, a type of non-profit legal entity in Japan created under the Act on General Incorporated Associations and General Incorporated Foundations (2006), functioning as a membership-based organization (association) with legal status but without profit distribution, similar to non-profit groups in other countries. 
We are required by law to implement a membership system which permits tax-deductible payments in the form of donations. To share ownership of our work with as many people as possible, OCPA offers a membership system under the operational name CHURAMURA .
Membership fees directly support conservation projects, equipment, and educational programs and member voices help guide our policies and operations.

2026 Membership Categories, Fees and Member Benefits
CHURAMURA has four classes of membership:
Supporter (SNV), Volunteer (VNV), Individual (IMV) and Company (CMV).
Each member (voting or non-voting) will receive a membership card and lanyard (to be worn / displayed at Churamura events and meetings), a joining certificate, sticker, original t-shirt and regular newsletters, event invitations and other special offers. Membership fees are legally classified as a “donation” and off-set your personal / company tax bills.

⚫︎Supporter Class
Supporter Members Non-Voting (SNV)
Initiation Fee: Y5,000 Annual Dues: Y10,000
Membership as Supporter Members is available to individuals, groups, teams, NPOs who have an interest in supporting Churamura and its purpose and activities. Besides member dues, Supporter Members shall pay for their event participation and for their share of any special functions of Churamura they may attend.
You are listed (optional) by name in the annual Membership Directory.

⚫︎Volunteer Class
Volunteer Members Non-Voting (VNV)
Initiation Fee: Y5,000 Annual Dues: Y10,000
Volunteer Membership is available to those who have an interest in supporting Churamura’s hands-on operations and activities. Volunteer Members shall pay for their event participation and for their share of any special functions of Churamura they may attend. Volunteer team training costs required to cover the hard costs of provided material and equipment etc. will be complimentary (5,000～10,000y savings).
VNV joining as Stranding Season volunteers will have their dues transferred to the following calendar year membership.
You are listed (optional) by name in the annual Membership Directory.

 ⚫︎Individual Class
Individual Members Voting (IV)
Initiation Fee: Y5,000 Annual Dues: Y20,000
Individual Membership offers a free or substantial discount in Churamura services and events.
A brief description will appear in the annual Membership Directory Individual Members (IV) can vote on constitutional matters and in Churamura elections.

 ⚫︎Company Class
Company Member Voting (CMV)
Membership as Company Members is available to corporations, partnerships, associations and sole proprietorships.
Initiation Fee: Y10,000 Annual Dues: Y100,000
Each Commercial Membership is entitled to designate one of its members to represent each membership as set forth in the Bylaws.
This member shall be known as the Representative Member for that membership and holds the voting rights of the company. 
The Membership fees can act as a corporate “donation” and off-set your company tax bill.
Company Membership offers a substantial discount in OCPA services and includes one Primary member.
Gives you opportunities for maximum involvement and visibility. 
Your company logo and name will appear on the Churamura website with a link to your website. Your logo, company name will appear in the annual Membership Directory.
Company Members (CMV) can vote on constitutional matters and in Churamura elections.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
Voting Rights are granted only to Company & Individual Memberships.
Memberships that satisfy this requirement shall be deemed a Voting Membership – CMV or IMV.
All other classes of membership may not vote except as members of committees in committee matters. 
All voting members are eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors. No more than 4 (four) seats on the Board of Directors are available to Company Voting members.
Resignation from membership must be in writing and addressed to the Board of Directors or email to info@okinawaprotect.org
Any Members that do not renew their membership with annual fee payment will be considered to have effectively resigned from Churamura.
Should a member violate the terms of this Constitution, the By-Laws or regulations of Churamura, or in the opinion of the Board of Directors, a member’s conduct may be injurious to the best interest of Churamura, the Board of Directors may request the member to resign, or it may suspend the member for a period not to exceed six months. The Board of Directors may in extreme cases expel the member by vote. 
The Board of Directors shall determine the amount of dues to be paid by each classification of membership.

COMMITTEES-
We are accepting interest from volunteers for the following teams / roles:
(please contact your membership point of contact or mail to info@okinawaprotect.org)
Education
Beach Clean
Fundraising
Marketing
Intern management
Event planning
Human Resources
Upcycling