This page introduces the activities and attractions of the Nanbu Satoyama Biotope in Nanbu Town.
Activities
Most of the Nanbu Satoyama Biotope is maintained by landowner in traditional agriculture and forestry. The activities conducted are not special forms of agriculture or forestry but are traditional practices.
About 1,000 square meters of the area is managed by Satoyama Biodiversity Project as part of extensive management.
１．Environmental Maintenance
- Grass cutting
- Water level management
- Repair
- Removal of invasive alien species (e.g., giant goldenrod)
２．Monitoring
When species can be identified during workshops or training sessions, the results are utilized for research purposes.
３．Public Relations and Utilization
The area is used as a place for Nature experiences, and training
- Public relations
- Applying for subsidies and other projects
We are seeking companies and organizations that can utilize the area for experiences and training.
Attractions of the Activities
Satoyama Biodiversity Project began its activities in 2020 and established the rice field biotope in 2021. Through these activities, we have come to recognize the attractions of satoyama.
１．Realizing the Charm of the Region
rom "kera" (remnants of tatara ironworks) and scrap iron lying in the fields to stones piled along riverbanks and traditional rituals remaining in villages, I feel the lives and thoughts of the people of the past. Imagining how hard their lives were brings a lump to my throat. The people living in this region have strong faith and continue to carry out rituals as community events. I believe that people who lived culturally with strong faith in their ancestors and nature in their impoverished lives are characteristic of this region.
２．A Small Universe Beneath Our Feet
"It's not just humans; the plants and animals living here are also part of what I love about Nanbu Town." This realization was the trigger for me to start activities. Beneath our feet, there are many living creatures that we usually don't pay attention to. Sometimes, their appearance feels as vast as the universe.
３．Feeling Happiness
What I feel from the "ordinary repetition" is "happiness living with nature." The sounds of water and wind heal our hearts. Perhaps the rhythm of our current lives is slightly faster than the rhythm we naturally have. When tired from the difference in rhythm, placing ourselves in nature resets our body's rhythm with the sounds of water and wind.
４．What I Want to Convey
Our region, the San'in area, is far from urban centers and may be considered a place left behind by urban culture. However, precisely because of that, there are cultures and customs that remain. What I feel there is the philosophy and strong faith that ancient Japan held. I want to convey the beliefs and philosophies of the Japanese ancestors who lived culturally with respect for their ancestors and nature in their impoverished lives.
