Satoyama landscapes

Abstract

Satoyama landscapes composed of an integral socio-ecological production network of a village and its surroundings have regular land-use patterns that have been systematically managed by local communities. Based on the local traditional knowledge of natural disaster risk reduction through use of the water network, spatial structure of the satoyama landscape and community activities were examined for creating resilient socio-ecological production landscapes. A case study in Japan shows that it is important to become aware of the characteristics and values regarding various natural resources around us, in order to make them function as a network, and to position the key landscape elements through the lens of a “New Commons”. Satoyama landscape elements rely on and are interconnected with each other, providing an example of systems sustainability, and can showcase the importance of human nature symbiosis with an emphasis on resiliency.