INDIGENOUS AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND “SATOYAMA”

Abstract

Satoyama is a Japanese term for landscapes that comprise a mosaic of different ecosystems which include forests, agricultural lands, grassland irrigation ponds and human settlements aimed at promoting viable human nature interaction. The Japanese government is seeking to revitalize it locally and promote it internationally, receiving accreditation as UNESCO Satoyama Initiatives. Here we explore the dynamics of this system and how it can be used as a model for any intended agricultural development in indigenous communities globally. In this paper we strongly address sustainable agriculture development which takes into consideration the local culture and traditions which exists.

Keywords

• satoyama
• indigenous agriculture
• sustainable development
• landscape use
• nature conservation