5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
[HGG03-P02] Considering Human-Nature Relationship in Urban Areas: A Report and Discussion on Research of Shrine Forests as Urban Green Spaces
Keywords:Shrine Forests, Urban Green Spaces, Biocultural Diversity, Human-Nature Relationship
Biodiversity conservation is a common global concern. However, perspectives on conservation have varied over time and continue to evolve. Traditionally, conservation efforts have been centered on the protection of untouched nature based on the dichotomous view of human and nature. However, with the acceptance of the Anthropocene concept, it is now widely acknowledged that no area on earth remains entirely unaffected by human activities. Therefore, considering the impact of human activities is essential when discussing biodiversity conservation. Within this framework, it is crucial to understande not only natural environment but also human culture, including norms, belief systems, languages, and lifestyles. This perspective has contributed to the development of concepts such as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Biocultural Diversity (BCD).
As these concepts were initially developed with the aim of protecting indigenous communities, most existing research has focused on rural areas as their research fields. Conversely, urban areas have received relatively little attention within this field. However, given the ongoing process of urbanization worldwide and the significant influence of urban areas on biodiversity conservation, it is necessary to explore these issues at both conceptual and operational levels.
In light of such a interest in TEK and BCD in the urban areas, this presentation will focus on urban shrine forests as one of the forms of urban green spaces. Shrine forests are vegetated areas within the precincts of shrines. Due to their unique connection to religious beliefs and spiritual practices, many shrine forests have been preserved and maintained by local communities, even as the surrounding areas have experienced urbanization. This characteristic endows shrine forests with both cultural and ecological values. However, some shrine forests face challenges such as inadequate maintenance or deforestation due to financial and labor shortages. Therefore, this study will present a quantitative analysis of the conservation status of shrine forests in urban areas and explore the role and maintenance practices of urban green spaces tied to local cultural values.
As these concepts were initially developed with the aim of protecting indigenous communities, most existing research has focused on rural areas as their research fields. Conversely, urban areas have received relatively little attention within this field. However, given the ongoing process of urbanization worldwide and the significant influence of urban areas on biodiversity conservation, it is necessary to explore these issues at both conceptual and operational levels.
In light of such a interest in TEK and BCD in the urban areas, this presentation will focus on urban shrine forests as one of the forms of urban green spaces. Shrine forests are vegetated areas within the precincts of shrines. Due to their unique connection to religious beliefs and spiritual practices, many shrine forests have been preserved and maintained by local communities, even as the surrounding areas have experienced urbanization. This characteristic endows shrine forests with both cultural and ecological values. However, some shrine forests face challenges such as inadequate maintenance or deforestation due to financial and labor shortages. Therefore, this study will present a quantitative analysis of the conservation status of shrine forests in urban areas and explore the role and maintenance practices of urban green spaces tied to local cultural values.