Ecology of Japanese Satoyama

Catalog description

Satoyama refers to the traditional rural landscapes of Japan, and it is a term that has become widely known internationally in the ecological sustainability literature, highlighting the value of traditional land use for the sustainable management of natural resources. I would introduce to the students, and have them discuss, the scientific basis of biodiversity and ecosystem services, the cultural influence on agriculturall and use,and how the scientific and cultural factors interact to affect the way natural resources are managed.The course would emphasize student-led discussion based on reading of primary and popular literature on the history, current status, societal perception of the value of satoyama for biodiversity and human well-beingin Japan. Student discussion will also compare the satoyama concept to similar ones developed in othercountriesin Asia, Europe, and North America.