Traditional knowledge and landscape management: evaluation and measurement of traditional knowledge on edible wild plants and mushrooms in the satoyama ecosystems in the Noto Peninsula, Japan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the traditional knowledge (TK) associated with edible wild plants and mushrooms, as well as to examine the status of relevant TK by a set of indicators developed in the satoyama ecosystems of the Noto Peninsula in Japan. The relevant data were collected through open-ended interviews; a structured questionnaire, was developed and a literature review was undertaken. The results of the questionnaire completed by 154 community members, and open-ended interviews revealed that 46 edible wild plants and 19 mushroom species are widely collected for a variety of purposes at the selected sites. An assessment of TK associated with the target plants showed that TK is a cumulative body of knowledge, developed through interaction with the satoyama ecosystems. Accordingly, 16 potential indicators were proposed in the framework of the five core themes (e.g. land and resources) to contribute to providing a valuable and practical dataset on how the current and future status of TK can be monitored. Finally, a series of conclusions are discussed in terms of maintenance of TK and its role in landscape and community management.