Main English Presentations
Forest Landscapes
A Study of Forest Landscapes‐a simple model of our efforts to make a symbiosis in nature
Abstract
This is a study that briefly illustrates the relationship between the theories of landscape ecology and their application to managing forest resources. We think that by simplifying the environmental factors, our efforts to make a symbiosis in nature will be easy, not difficult.
We can think of the inside of the triangle as above having one apex of (fragmented) forests, and the other apexes of theory and its application. We, therefore, can think of its inside as all of the world using technology. Correspondingly, we can think of the outside of the triangle as having apexes of nature, science and society. We also can think of the circle as a friendly symbiosis between nature and society (science).
In a forest, our efforts to make a symbiosis are to think about (while imagining the diagram above) the following points:
? Science and symbiosis in a theory of landscape ecology. In short, it is to think scientifically about whether there are any factors (gap) preventing a sustainable symbiosis in the ecosystem, or not. It will, for instance, point out to us the necessity of an investigation of any influences on the environment.
? Society and symbiosis in an application to managing forest resources. In short, it is to think, as a society, about whether there is too much (gap) consumption of nature because of, for example, the demand by the economy for fuel, or not. It will, for instance, point out to us the necessity of making evident the over utilization of the environment.
Thinking of this simple model, our efforts to make a symbiosis in nature will produce the necessity to value the environment. This will make us enlarge our sensitivity or emotional attachment to the forest landscape beyond just technology because of the existence of our consciousness of beauty. It will make all citizens be able to understand better the causes of fragmented forests and make us make more efforts to make a symbiosis in nature.
"IUFRO Landscape Ecology Conference, Oct. 25-28, 2004 - Tsukuba, Ibaraki (JAPAN)"
No.18: Oral Presentation: Shigeo Nishizawa
We can think of the inside of the triangle as above having one apex of (fragmented) forests, and the other apexes of theory and its application. We, therefore, can think of its inside as all of the world using technology. Correspondingly, we can think of the outside of the triangle as having apexes of nature, science and society. We also can think of the circle as a friendly symbiosis between nature and society (science).
In a forest, our efforts to make a symbiosis are to think about (while imagining the diagram above) the following points:
? Science and symbiosis in a theory of landscape ecology. In short, it is to think scientifically about whether there are any factors (gap) preventing a sustainable symbiosis in the ecosystem, or not. It will, for instance, point out to us the necessity of an investigation of any influences on the environment.
? Society and symbiosis in an application to managing forest resources. In short, it is to think, as a society, about whether there is too much (gap) consumption of nature because of, for example, the demand by the economy for fuel, or not. It will, for instance, point out to us the necessity of making evident the over utilization of the environment.
Thinking of this simple model, our efforts to make a symbiosis in nature will produce the necessity to value the environment. This will make us enlarge our sensitivity or emotional attachment to the forest landscape beyond just technology because of the existence of our consciousness of beauty. It will make all citizens be able to understand better the causes of fragmented forests and make us make more efforts to make a symbiosis in nature.
A case study of agroforestry in the Brazilian rainforest: the experiences of Japanese immigrants
Abstract
It will be the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Brazil in 2008. In Tome-Acu, a town founded by Japanese immigrants near the Amazon delta region, they have had to use a mixed-planting method rather than a single-cultivation method in order to sustain their community.
The farmers in Tome-Acu have learnt to use the land efficiently in spite of the harsh climatic conditions, problems of crop damage from pests and floods, and the greatly varying market prices for pepper. They originally used a single-cultivation method and there was a problem of a lack of sustainability in their farming production.
On the other hand, with a later diversification of the farming landscape using a mixed-planting method, they have managed to sustain the agricultural and processing activities at their sites in Tome-Acu.
Economic surveys show that the mixed-planting method has been functioning efficiently. The world’s increasing population cannot be avoided, so assuming an increasing population, we should be concerned that farmers use such mixed-planting methods in order to sustain agroforestry.
Agroforestry communities, such as Tome-Acu, can clearly help to preserve the rainforest habitat as compared to the use of such practices as slash-and-burn agriculture.
"IUFRO Landscape Ecology Conference, Sept. 26-29, 2006 - Locorotondo, Bari (ITALY )"
Presentation: Shigeo Nishizawa
The farmers in Tome-Acu have learnt to use the land efficiently in spite of the harsh climatic conditions, problems of crop damage from pests and floods, and the greatly varying market prices for pepper. They originally used a single-cultivation method and there was a problem of a lack of sustainability in their farming production.
On the other hand, with a later diversification of the farming landscape using a mixed-planting method, they have managed to sustain the agricultural and processing activities at their sites in Tome-Acu.
Economic surveys show that the mixed-planting method has been functioning efficiently. The world’s increasing population cannot be avoided, so assuming an increasing population, we should be concerned that farmers use such mixed-planting methods in order to sustain agroforestry.
Agroforestry communities, such as Tome-Acu, can clearly help to preserve the rainforest habitat as compared to the use of such practices as slash-and-burn agriculture.
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