Clarification of traditional ecological knowledge system and regional diversity of the utilization of satoyama resources in traditional Japanese wooden houses

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K06106
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39070:Landscape science-related
• Research Institution: Shinshu University
• Principal Investigator: Ida Hideyuki 信州大学, 学術研究院教育学系, 教授 (70324217)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 土本 俊和 信州大学, 学術研究院工学系, 教授 (60247327)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 古民家 / 茅場 / 茅葺き / 里山資源 / 伝統的生態学的知識 / 伝統知 / 植生管理 / 火入れ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study reveals that traditional knowledge regarding the utilization manners of satoyama resources for traditional wooden farmhouses was developed in various ways across different regions, considering the natural environment and social conditions at the time of construction. The choice of tree species for structural timbers reflected the surrounding vegetation. In interviews conducted in Tadami, northeastern Japan, it was found that local craftsmen selected and hauled the trees from nearby woodlands within 1km.　Thatching material production sites maintained through field burning or traditional weeding practices were found to maintain thatch quality and biodiversity.　These findings are important for satoyama resource management as they contribute to the balance between sustainable use and biodiversity conservation.

Free Research Field

景観生態学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により示された伝統知に基づく里山の資源管理のあり方は、地域の自然資源の持続的利用と生物多様性保全の両立に寄与し、資源循環社会の再構築において重要な示唆を与えるものである。一方、こうした地域土着の里山利用の伝統知は多くが各地に埋もれたままであり、早急に同様の調査を進め、その発掘とともに科学知化に努める必要があることを示した貴重な成果である。