2021 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 | Ehime University |
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Principal Investigator |
ルプレヒト クリストフ 愛媛大学, 社会共創学部, 准教授 (90783895)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | multispecies / landscape stewardship / restoration / vacant land / nectar plants / fruit trees |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
The second year produced several achievements despite severe COVID-related restrictions and further necessary project reevaluation.
First, larger conceptual contributions were shared at several national and international presentations, focusing on the role of multispecies edible landscapes for achieving urban sustainability in Japan. Related landmark papers are currently under review in leading international journals. These address fundamental contributions of food systems to a post-growth world, as well as the role of food and socio-ecological restoration as a contribution to urban sustainability in the form of intentional rewilding.
Second, substantial advances were made in compiling a database of plants suitable for socio-ecolgoical restoration of vacant land, including data on their growth characteristics, attractiveness as source of food, nectar and pollen for birds and pollinators, as well as human edibility and cultural uses. Expansion and curation of this database will allow creation of a socio-ecological restoration guideline, empowering residents to take restoration into their own hands.
COVID-related travel restrictions however made fieldwork impossible and led to postponement to year 3.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
While the second year saw several advances in presentations and database creation, and continued RA employment was achieved, even domestic fieldwork proved impossible. This meant fieldwork scheduled for year two had to be postponed, with potential implications for total number of field site visits. The international COVID situation also impacted work of project collaborators in various ways, including progress of the literature review. These issues need to be considered on top of previously identified restrictions to seed availability.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Both findings and travel restrictions may require a revision of initial plans:
1. COVID and fieldwork restrictions during year 2 may require a reduction of total field visits, possibly impacting feasibility of final data analysis regarding nutrition contributions. However, plans are to conduct as much fieldwork as possible during year three, while taking under consideration the option to extend the project period by one year if necessary.
2. Shift from numerical assessment to conceptual advances and practical guideline production. Given the limited availability of seeds and seedlings identified in year 1, research may need to focus on advancing conceptual integration of sustainability theory and edible landscapes, while continuing work on the plant database and producing a practical guideline for restoration.
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| Causes of Carryover |
No fieldwork or travel was possible due to COVID restrictions. The remaining budget will be used for expected fieldwork expenses if possible.
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