Satoyama

The practice of renovating traditional Japanese old houses for modern use. They are repurposed as cafes, accommodations, and offices, gaining attention as a means of regional revitalization. Techniques that blend the beauty of traditional architecture with modern comfort continue to evolve.

A local food culture movement connecting producers directly with consumers. Japan has developed unique infrastructure including roadside stations, direct sales outlets, and farm restaurants. With growing food safety awareness, interest in organic farming and traceability has also expanded.

Japan's unique forest management techniques and culture, with forests covering approximately 67% of its land. Sustainable forestry exemplified by Yoshino forestry has a history spanning centuries. Recently, integration with technology through smart forestry and biomass power generation is creating new value.

A concept of coastal seas appropriately managed by human activity. As the oceanic counterpart of Satoyama, fishers sustain biodiversity and marine resources through seagrass bed restoration and tidal flat conservation. Introduced internationally at COP10 in 2010, Satoumi has gained global attention as a new model for coastal zone management.

Traditional landscapes demonstrating harmony between humans and nature. Semi-natural areas where human management maintains biodiversity. Satoyama conservation efforts simultaneously address rural depopulation and environmental protection. Recognized by the UN as a sustainable regional society model, demonstrating integrated solutions to environmental and social challenges.

A conservation and restoration movement for 'satoyama'—the intermediate landscape between agriculture and natural forest. It supports Japan's biodiversity while preserving traditional farming culture. With increasing UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designations, it's recognized as a model for international sustainability practice. A uniquely Japanese environmental conservation strategy achieving both regional revitalization and SDG goals.

Ecosystems of hilly/coastal regions created through human-nature coexistence. Facing challenges from depopulation but gaining renewed value through tourism development and conservation efforts. Functions as integrated approach to biodiversity protection, regional revitalization, and carbon neutrality.

A concept of coastal seas appropriately managed by human activity. As the oceanic counterpart of Satoyama, fishers sustain biodiversity and marine resources through seagrass bed restoration and tidal flat conservation. Introduced internationally at COP10 in 2010, Satoumi has gained global attention as a new model for coastal zone management.

Conservation activities for secondary forests where humans and nature coexist. Balancing biodiversity with regional economic revitalization through satoyama utilization. Programs by NPOs and local governments operate in hundreds of regions nationwide. Bamboo grove maintenance, vegetable cultivation, and eco-tourism generate hundreds of millions of yen annually. Gaining international attention as Japan's sustainable nature coexistence model in the SDG era.

Conservation activities for satoyama (semi-natural rural landscapes where humans and nature coexist). Maintains biodiversity and practices sustainable agriculture. Ongoing initiatives by NPOs, municipalities, and corporations nationwide. Connects traditional Japanese agricultural culture to the future while achieving environmental conservation. Gaining attention in global sustainability discussions.