2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Exploring the potential of edible landscapes for socio-ecological restoration of vacant land in shrinking Japanese cities
| Project/Area Number |
20K15552
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| Research Institution | Research Institute for Humanity and Nature |
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Principal Investigator |
ルプレヒト クリストフ 総合地球環境学研究所, 研究部, 上級研究員 (90783895)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | multispecies commons / landscape stewardship / urban planning / degrowth / public health |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
The first year saw several achievements but also complications and the need to reevaluate parts of the plan.
First, several outputs were published in relation with edible landscapes and their wider implications: These included a design proposal for a multispecies community garden proposal that integrates vacant lots into existing housing arrangements and aims to unlock their potential for recreation, food production and ecosystem services. A paper on edible commons in light of the corona pandemic was published with international collaborators in a leading international peer-reviewed journal as open access, reflecting on the way edible landscapes might contribute towards both alleviating the impact of pandemics and reducing the risk of future pandemics. Another paper reflected on the benefits of edible landscapes as a concept over edible infrastructure and green infrastructure in general. Finally, a landmark paper on multispecies sustainability was published laying the theoretical and conceptual groundwork for a holistic transformation of cities, which will necessarily include edible landscapes.
Second, initial fieldwork in Sapporo was undertaken that provided vital impressions of the vacant land condition and a good insight into the wealth of edible native plants. However, we also found availability of plant seedlings or seeds extremely restricted, which has ramifications for the overall research plan.
Unfortunately, COVID-related travel restrictions and budget reductions made it impossible to undertake international fieldwork or travel.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
The first year produced several publications. While international fieldwork and travel became impossible, fieldwork in Sapporo was possible and provided valuable insights. Vital impressions of the vacant land condition and a good insight into the wealth of edible native plants were gained, with the particular importance of Ainu cultural knowledge emerging. However, we also found availability of plant seedlings or seeds extremely restricted, which has ramifications for the overall research plan. This may require shifting research efforts towards how local and native plant seeds and seedlings might be made accessible again alongside or instead of non-local, commercial varieties. Preparations for the major literature review are progressing but slightly delayed due to large-scale disruptions in the work and lives of collaborators. Preliminary searches have shown literature is available yet dispersed over fields and languages. Planning for fieldwork during the second year is ongoing but difficult due to the ongoing global COVID pandemic affecting even national travel. A change in institutions by the PI has led to some issues around employment of the RA which will need to be solved for carrying out the research as planned.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
The overall plan is to proceed largely as originally envisioned, with some elements potentially requiring changes:
1) Availability of seeds and seedlings for edible native plants. Research may need to shift towards seeking ways of establishing seed and seedling availability rather than species-based potential assessment. In particular, it may be necessary to consider seed availability and cultural knowledge as factors restricting vacant lot potential, rather than vacant lot area or characteristics. However, such a shift in research focus also promises valuable insights and advances necessary for the ultimate goal of using edible landscapes to contribute to shrinking city transformations.
2) COVID and fieldwork. As the COVID situation remains unstable and unforseeable, the possibility of restrictions to additional fieldwork planned for this year cannot be ruled out. Should this happen, fieldwork may be postponed to the next year. This issue is also connected with the issue noted below, as fieldwork depends on the availability of the RA.
3) Change of institutions: following a move by the PI to a new institution, potential issues have arisen with employment of the RA according to plan. Potential measures depend on the exact outcome.
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| Causes of Carryover |
International fieldwork was made impossible by budget cuts and COVID restrictions. The remaining budget will be used for expected fieldwork expenses.
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[Journal Article] Multispecies sustainability2020
Author(s)
Rupprecht C. D. D.、Vervoort J.、Berthelsen C.、Mangnus A.、Osborne N.、Thompson K.、Urushima Y. Y. F.、Kovskaya M.、Spiegelberg M.、Cristiano S.、Springett J.、Marschuetz B.、Flies E. J.、McGreevy S. R.、Droz L.、Breed M. F.、Gan J.、Shinkai R.、Kawai A.
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Journal Title
Global Sustainability
Volume: 3
Pages: e34
DOI
Peer Reviewed / Open Access / Int'l Joint Research
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