On May 22, 2025, the International Symposium “Nature, Culture, and Community: Rethinking Urban Connections from Kanazawa” took place at the Kanazawa Bunka Hall. As cities around the world continue to grow and evolve, the interconnections between nature, culture, and community are increasingly central to shaping sustainable urban futures. This symposium brought together local and international experts, as well as city representatives, to explore innovative approaches to urban ecosystem regeneration while respecting and celebrating cultural heritage.
The event began with opening remarks from Takashi Murayama (Mayor of Kanazawa City).
Rubleva presented on “Urban Nature for People and Planet: Restoring Ecosystems, Rebuilding Community”, and emphasized the growing recognition of nature’s critical role in building healthy, resilient cities. She stressed the importance of reconnecting cities with nature – not just for aesthetic value, but for their capacity to sustain life, foster culture and strengthen communities in this changing world.
Next, Coetzee presented on “Nature contributing to wellbeing, resilience, and connectivity in cities”, and showcased examples of urban initiatives that reflect strong links between ecological and human wellbeing, understanding the importance of partnerships and active community engagement.
Suzuki discussed “Cities for a society harmony with nature,” highlighting that Kanazawa has historically coexisted with nature. He emphasized that to restore biodiversity, it is necessary to simultaneously promote green conservation and restoration, climate change countermeasures, sustainable production, and consumption reduction. He also offered valuable insights connecting global, national, and local levels – from the implementation of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), to Japan’s new national biodiversity strategy, and concrete applications of Nature-based Solutions at the local level.
The second half of the symposium featured a panel discussion moderated by Togo Uchida (Executive Director, ICLEI Japan), with contributions from:
Dzheylan Safet Karaulan Sozuer (Architect & Urban Designer and Strategy Development & Program Coordinator, Istanbul, Türkiye)
Anthony Paul Diaz (Superintendent/Director, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle, USA)
Francois Moreau (Head of Urban Ecology Agency, Paris, France)
Kimberley Anne Statham (Director, Urban Forestry, Toronto, Canada)
Laura Hernandez Rosas (Coordinator of Biodiversity Strategies, Mexico City, Mexico)
Judith A. Oluoch (Kisumu County Executive Committee Member-Minister, Water, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Kisumu, Kenya)
Juan Pastor-Ivars (UNU-IAS OUIK, Researcher, Kanazawa, Japan)
Tetsuhiro Ikeda (Kanazawa City Culture and Sports Bureau, Cultural Property Protection Division, Kanazawa, Japan)
The panel theme was “Community-Led Urban Regeneration: Culture, Nature, and Global Perspectives.” Panelists shared case studies from their cities:
Istanbul is advancing urban rewilding projects.
Seattle is engaging community volunteers in nature restoration.
Paris is ongoing the greening of the city hall square.
Toronto approaches biodiversity restoration through reconciliation with indigenous communities.
Mexico City is promoting the development and protection of urban nature through networks, women’s leadership, and community engagement.
Kisumu community-driven efforts are supporting the recovery of Lake Victoria.
Kanazawa contributes to ecosystem preservation through its water canals and garden systems, while promoting traditional knowledge and community efforts.
In the panel discussion, panelists – having participated in the pre-symposium site visits and workshops in Kanazawa, shared key takeaways and reflections on what they had learned and experienced. They spoke about the insights and inspirations they hoped to bring back to their own cities and contexts. The panelists praised Kanazawa’s unique water system and community lead fireflies conservation activities. The panelists also shared their challenges their cities are facing such as extreme heat, flooding, harmful pesticides, lake pollution and difficulties in securing funds. The panelists emphasized adopting a nature-based solution as well as increasing green and blue infrastructure would be the key to building a sustainable urban city. The discussion concluded that while each city has different challenges, community participation is critical to addressing biodiversity.
To conclude the symposium, Shinobu Yamaguchi, Director of UNU-IAS, emphasized that urban ecosystem restoration is fundamentally about people’s involvement – nature thrives when people are engaged. Referring to the examples shared by panelists, she remarked that restoring ecosystems also means restoring relationships – between people and place, between past and future, and among the diverse communities who share the same urban space.
The symposium was co-hosted by UNU-IAS OUIK, the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ), Kanazawa city. It was supported by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture, The Hokkoku Shimbun.
On May 21, 2025, as part of the International Symposium on Urban Ecosystem Restoration, an on-site excursion exploring the natural and cultural resources within Kanazawa City was held organized by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability Operating Unit Ishikawa Kanazawa (UNU-IAS OUIK) and Kanazawa City.
Approximately 20 participants, including city representatives and experts from both Japan and abroad, visited and observed Kanazawa’s waterfront environment, cultural and historical landscapes, and conservation and revitalization activities, deepening their understanding of efforts to create a harmonious coexistence of urban nature and culture.
Experiencing Kanazawa’s Water Culture
In the morning, the excursion began with a walk along the Sai River. This river, flowing through the city center, is a beloved recreational spot for residents, and the group visited the Sai River Bridge, which has a history of 100 years. Next, participants observed the Kuratsuki Water canal, developed as an urban water supply, and the revitalized “Seseragi Street,” which was transformed through a project that unsealed a formerly covered water canal. This effort was introduced as a collaboration between citizens and local government to restore the water canal as a natural urban landscape.
Historic Gardens and Urban Biodiversity
At Senda Family Garden, participants experienced the coexistence of samurai culture and urban nature through a tea ceremony. They also learned about the garden architecture that incorporates water features at the Nishi Family Garden, the cultural significance of these sites, and conservation efforts through public-private partnerships. The “Historic Gardens Promotion Plan” for Kanazawa was introduced, fostering hopes for new mechanisms involving citizens and tourists in preservation efforts.
Balancing Tourism and Sustainability
In the afternoon, the group visited Higashi Chaya District, a popular tourist destination in Kanazawa. There, efforts to balance increasing tourist flow with the preservation of local cultural resources were explained. After that, at Shinrensha Temple, participants learned about the roles of Zen and urban nature, especially in a society facing population decline, and discussed the potential for such places to contribute to sustainable urban development.
Participants Feedback
Participants shared positive impressions, including, “I was amazed by how lively and rich the cultural life centered around water is within the city,” and “The involvement of the community in urban renewal efforts was truly inspiring.”
This excursion provided an experiential opportunity to learn about the role of culture and citizen involvement in urban natural restoration, serving as a valuable learning experience ahead of the symposium scheduled for the following day.
The book introduces unique roles and teachings of Japanese Gardens in Kanazawa City in a relation with human society and it is breaking new ground for Kanazawa’s sustainable future.
From January 1, 2016 until 2030, United Nations adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), with 17 goals and 169 targets, to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. These goals are applied to all countries and regions, and for the next 15 years they will be the critical tools in the dialogs to solve environmental, economic and social issues. Youth capacity development towards those issues will be essential to ensure the successful achievements of those goals. This Workshop is jointly created by Kanazawa University and United Nations University, and it aims to create the platform for the younger generations to come together and deepen the discussions on SDGs and share the regional issues.
In Kanazawa City, many historical heritage sites, such as buildings, irrigation canals, gardens, and sacred forests, reflect a deep connection between culture, nature, and history. The City of Kanazawa actively conducts research and preservation efforts to pass these heritage treasures to future generations.
During these months, multiple events are underway to experience the city’s historical heritage, including the event that was held on October 12th at the Nishi Family Garden, which was recently inscribed in the process to be designated as a national scenic spot.
Invited by Kanazawa Cultural Department, OUIK’s Research Fellow Dr. Juan provided a lecture and garden tour for 43 attendees.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Kanazawa City, Takashi Murayama, who opened with an introduction, highlighting the importance of Kanazawa’s garden culture and its growing international recognition. He acknowledged the city’s designation as a UNEP Model City for the Generation Restoration project and expressed gratitude to OUIK for its vital role in promoting Kanazawa’s environmental, economic, and cultural values through the Sustainable Nature Project.
In the presentation, Dr. Juan began by describing the natural features surrounding Kanazawa, including its mountains and abundant water resources. He highlighted the unique qualities of Kanazawa’s gardens, shaped by the Hokuriku region’s climate and a supportive social structure established by the Maeda clan in the 16th century. This system allowed a middle class of artisans to flourish, many of whom sought to recreate a miniature Kenrokuen in their homes, nourished by the local canal network.
Dr. Juan then detailed the network of canals and gardens that still exist in the city today. He addressed the challenges these gardens face due to depopulation and lack of maintenance. In the second part of the presentation, he emphasized how this connectivity between canals and gardens is essential for maintaining ecological functions and supporting biodiversity.
To prove this point, Dr. Juan shared findings (2021.9, 2021.11) from the wildlife survey conducted in thirty city gardens, using Mr. Nishi’s garden as an example.
This survey, which used different methods like in situ observation, sensor cameras, IC recorders, and DNA analysis across various seasons, identified valuable species such as the Ayu fish (Plecoglossus altivelis), Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), Euphaedusa tau snail, and fireflies (Lampyridae).
All these results reinforce the idea of the strong connection between cultural preservation and natural conservation since many of these animals have established their habitat in the gardens because they found an environment protected from rapid urbanization, and today, they represent true natural reservoirs.
Through Dr. Juan’s presentation, participants gained a deeper appreciation for the aesthetic, cultural, and ecological values of the Kanazawa Gardens. The discussion emphasized establishing monitoring systems to track animal life in the coming years to ensure ecological continuity. After the presentation, the attendees freely walked around the garden, enjoying a sunny pre-autumn day.
*About Nishi Family Garden: It was created in 1916, Taisho period, in a residential area of the old city, Nagamachi, and has retained its original appearance since then. The adjacent Onosho water canal irrigates the central garden pond, which is surrounded by impressive and large landscape stones, providing from various places of Japan; they are beautifully displayed together with arched bridges and water basins, balanced with high artificial hills located at the rare part of the garden, planted by native vegetation such as pine trees, azaleas, mapples etc, providing to the viewer a deep sense of space and secluded atmosphere reverberating the features of Kanazawa nature.
The final presentation session for the which was newly launched by OUIK this fiscal year, took place on September 16, 2024. The aim of this program is to cultivate global leaders from the local community to tackle global challenges such as sustainable development and climate change. Thirteen high school students from Kanazawa City participated and presented the results of their six-month study on local environmental issues and climate change.
During the presentation, the 13 participating high school students shared the outcomes of their inquiry projects on local environmental issues, which they worked on during their summer vacation. Each student presented solutions and proposals they developed addressing the impacts of climate change and specific environmental problems in their region, actively responding to questions from the audience.
The themes presented included:
– Utilization of abandoned farmland
– Moving away from a car-dependant society
– Proposals for improving ports and surrounding environments
– Reducing emissions of alternative fluorocarbons
– The relationship between Ishikawa/Kanazawa and water
– Green infrastructure in Kanazawa
– Circular economy
The students’ presentations were based on specific data and often suggested realistic solutions. Notably, proposals that included collaboration with local residents and cooperation with government authorities garnered significant interest from participants.
Next Step: Delegation to the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29)
Following the presentation, the participating students underwent individual interviews, and Kanazawa Izumigaoka High School student Nanako Kaji and Kanazawa University High School student Mari Honda were selected. These two will represent the UN University delegation and Kanazawa’s youth at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan this November. They are expected to actively voice the perspectives of Kanazawa’s youth on an international stage and contribute to global climate change initiatives.
This presentation event served as a highly meaningful opportunity to showcase how local youth engage with global issues and propose solutions from their own perspectives. Participants, inspired by the students’ passion and initiative, hold great expectations for their growth as leaders who will support not only their local communities but also the future of the world.
Updates on the activities of the members selected for COP29 will be communicated through the official website and social media of the United Nations University OUIK, so please stay tuned!
Click on the link below to know more about OUIK’s Youth Empowerment Program:
OUIK’s Researcher, Dr Juan, has initiated Participatory Action Research (PAR) as part of the Sustainable Urban Nature Project in the Kikugawa district, Kanazawa City. This year, emphasis is placed on citizen participation, environmental conservation, and revitalization of neglected spaces in the region through comprehensive research.
This Participatory Action Research (PAR) activity includes collaborative problem-solving, raising awareness, and empowering citizens to adapt effectively to economic and environmental changes.
The PAR initiative in Kikugawa aims to cultivate a nature-rich community through the following five key actions:
Promoting green (urban nature) growth
Monitoring biodiversity
Maintaining green spaces
Co-creating community gardens
Encouraging eco-tourism
To kick off the PAR activities, the first session titled ” Let’s increase the Greenery of Cities by Planting Flowers” was held on May 14. Fifteen predominantly female participants engaged in discussions.
Dr Juan introduced PAR in the Kikugawa district and discussed the benefits and challenges of local greening efforts. Subsequently, participants, under the guidance of a local gardener, engaged in planting activities, sharing insights on land preparation, planting techniques, and maintenance.
Following the planting session, Juan evaluated participants’ awareness of nature’s benefits, challenges in expanding nature-rich communities, and indicators of strengthened community cohesion through discussions and surveys.
The next PAR session is scheduled for June 28. This session will primarily focus on biodiversity monitoring, with citizen scientists conducting firefly surveys along the Kuratsuki water canal and in two designated gardens within Kikugawa.
This project continues to drive positive change in the Kikugawa district, leveraging community participation and sustainable practices to create a more nature-rich and resilient urban landscape.
Kanazawa City has been recognized this year as a model city for urban ecosystem restoration in the “Generation Restoration Project,” which is part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration resolved at the UN General Assembly in March 2019. This project aims to implement a package of measures to address the political, technical, and financial challenges to promote ecosystem restoration in urban areas within the framework of the “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Global Biodiversity Framework” (in particular, Target 12).
At the core of the project will be 8 pilot cities and 11 model cities selected through a September 2023 selection process. These cities will support each other, particularly the pilot cities, in scaling up the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS).
From December 13 to 15, 2023, representatives, sponsors, and experts from the pilot and model cities gathered in Paris, France, for a three-day kick-off meeting and workshop. They shared successful examples and project plans from their respective cities, engaging in discussions that included expert input. Yoko Tomita (Programme Coordinator, UNU-IAS OUIK), represented Kanazawa City and shared examples of urban nature conservation and restoration efforts in the city. She particularly focused on biodiversity initiatives that leverage historical and cultural landscapes, such as irrigation systems and Japanese gardens, as well as responsible tourism strategies implemented as part of the SDG Future Cities initiative. Participants provided feedback emphasizing that “the protection of the landscape through the preservation or restoration of cultural heritage, along with the concurrent protection of urban nature and biodiversity, is unique and reflects the cultural identity of the region.”
Toronto and Seattle, also model cities, introduced their conservation efforts regarding urban and suburban forests, alongside volunteer initiatives.
The workshop included a guided tour of Paris led by a city official. The tour featured the Jardins de l’Archipel des Berges de Seine Niki de Saint-Phalle, a small park created by connecting five moored barges along the Seine River, as well as community gardens, pedestrianized streets near schools, and areas adorned with flowerbeds and trees. The official noted, “Until a few years ago, there were only three types of fish in the Seine River, but now there are dozens of species. Along with this, the number of bird species living in Paris has also increased. One of the reasons for the success of the project was the subsidies provided to farmers in the upstream areas to promote organic farming without the use of pesticides, ultimately improving the river’s environment.”
Ishikawa Prefecture is home to an abundance of ingredients nurtured by its rich natural resources from both the sea and land. The Kaga region has developed a unique culinary culture that evolved during the Edo period, influenced by both samurai and commoners, while the Noto region has its own distinctive food culture shaped by its harsh natural environment and vibrant festival traditions. Many domestic and international travelers visit Ishikawa specifically to enjoy this delightful “food.”
However, alongside this appealing culinary heritage, there are numerous challenges such as the preservation of these traditions, a lack of successors among producers, and food waste. In the third installment of this seminar, we learned about efforts and challenges to achieve more sustainable tourism through discussions with chefs and culinary researchers, all centered around the theme of food.
An everyday food issue that impacts the entire planet
To begin, Yuya Tsuda, a researcher at OUIK, introduced the topic ” Food Tourism and the SDGs”. He presented examples of domestic and international tourism related to food. It was noted that “Japanese cuisine” is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and that it is said to contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goals 2, 4, and 12.
Next, Sayako Koyama, a researcher at OUIK, gave a lecture titled “The Connection Between Food and the SDGs & Introduction to OUIK’s Initiatives.” She presented several critical issues: more than 60% of food in Japan is dependent on imports, 6.46 million tons of food are wasted annually, the sustainable fish stock is continuously decreasing due to overfishing, and the increasing deforestation of tropical rainforests to produce palm oil—an ingredient used in many food products—is leading to a loss of rich biodiversity in other countries. These points emphasized the close connection between food issues and our daily lives.
On the other hand, it was mentioned that Ishikawa Prefecture has many positive aspects that can contribute to the SDGs. An example of this is the world agricultural heritage known as “Noto’s Satoyama Satoumi.” In Noto, there is a tradition of producing food locally and effectively utilizing that food, which is closely related to the SDGs. The richness of both land and sea not only helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by minimizing the transportation of ingredients from far away but also contributes to climate change mitigation. We must also not forget the existence of traditional wisdom that allows for the long-term preservation of harvested goods, such as through fermentation, without the use of electricity, thereby reducing waste.
The wisdom of growing and utilizing food, eating without waste, and having a heart of gratitude is essential knowledge for addressing various global challenges. Koyama emphasized that it is very important to pass these teachings on to the next generation of children and to share them with the world.
As part of the initiatives by the UNU-IAS OUIK, we have created a video and a picture book titled “Let’s Make a Harvest Feast!” to convey the richness of agriculture, nature, and culture in Noto to children. Additionally, many individuals who know the traditional knowledge are the elderly, so we believe we can contribute to the preservation of local knowledge by documenting it in videos and sharing them on YouTube. Please here to watch them.
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Guest speakers presented their individual case studies
Naoko Taniguchi, a director at Kohaku Co., Ltd., is a culinary researcher and food coordinator who is actively engaged in sharing Kanazawa’s culture and regional food heritage through experiential cooking programs for inbound visitors. She collaborates with university students on initiatives to preserve and promote local culinary traditions. Additionally, she has a close relationship with Omicho Market, where she implements food education programs like the “Parent-Child Omicho Experience.” She also manages the gourmet e-commerce site “Ichiba no Hako,” which features local delicacies, working alongside market vendors to encourage more people to visit Kanazawa.
In the 2021 Michelin Guide for Hokuriku, Chef Umetaro from “respiración” in Kanazawa received two stars and a Green Star, highlighting the richness of regional ingredients. He shared some pressing issues, such as overfishing, the aging of local farmers, and a lack of successors, which has led to a decline in the care for the satoyama and its ecosystems. He pointed out that without successors, not only does food production diminish, but the traditional skills passed down through generations are also lost, along with the culture of the area. Reflecting on the question, “What can chefs do?” he partnered with like-minded chefs in Ishikawa Prefecture to establish the general incorporated association NOTOFUE. Their initiatives include utilizing underused fish, such as types of sea urchin previously targeted for culling, and working to connect the environment and resources of Noto’s satoyama and satoumi to future generations.
Benjamin Flatt, the owner-chef of “Noto Italian and Fermented Food Inn Furatto,” and his wife, Tomoko Funashita, shared some insights into the food culture of Noto. They explained that the practice of fermenting fish has existed for over a thousand years, with fermentation and aging occurring naturally without any temperature or humidity control. They described it as “fermentation being an incredible bundle of wisdom,” noting that the food often tastes even better than when it was initially marinated.
They also highlighted the unique use of rice bran, a byproduct of rice, which is rare in other parts of the world. This method not only enhances the flavor but also increases the nutritional value, making it an all-around beneficial practice. They believe that by incorporating such fermented foods into the next generation’s diet, they can contribute to the sustainability of Noto.
Additionally, he mentioned the reasons why fermented foods are still prevalent in Noto. First, the region boasts an abundance of seafood. Second, due to limited transportation development, Noto had to rely on local production and consumption. Third, the climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, allows for the repetition of fermentation and aging processes. Fourth, the local food culture is closely intertwined with traditions and festivals, resulting in the preservation of culinary practices alongside the culture. He stated that in order to pass on the food culture to the next generation, it is essential to promote sustainable tourism that is aligned with the current conditions of the region. However, a significant challenge lies in how to enhance the recognition of the value of the culture and traditions held by the local residents who welcome visitors.
The challenges related to food and tourism were discussed In the panel session
Next, the four guest speakers and Researcher Tsuda began a discussion that explored further the earlier examples.
Ms. Taniguchi focused on Omicho Market, which has seen an increase in both domestic and international visitors, analyzing it from the perspective of the SDGs. This market, with a history of 300 years, provides a clear insight into food culture. Visitors can engage with knowledgeable vendors and experience the changing seasons through fresh seasonal ingredients, making it a unique place where both locals and tourists can purchase the same items as professional chefs. However, Mr. Taniguchi noted some challenges facing Omicho Market, particularly the lack of successors to continue the tradition. Additionally, many fresh fish shops close on Wednesdays, leading to an increase in items that need to be discarded on Tuesdays. To tackle this issue, Ms. Taniguchi is working to sell these products through e-commerce platforms to reduce waste.
She also mentioned a lesser-known initiative in Kanazawa City that collects leftover fish from Omicho Market and processes it into fertilizer. This fertilizer is then used to grow vegetables, creating a sustainable cycle that she hopes more people will learn about. To raise awareness of how this market operates in a circular manner, she has launched the “Ichiba Basket Project.”
Mr. Flatt talked about the differences in values between Noto and his home country, Australia. Ms. Funashita discussed why it’s important to pass down Noto’s traditional skills to the next generation and mentioned some challenges, giving more specific examples.
Mr. Ume rovided an explanation about how local food ingredients are offered due to the management of Satoyama and Satoumi by human hands.
After that, participants discussed effective ways to pass down knowledge to future generations. They split into two groups for a workshop to share more ideas before wrapping up the seminar.
The speakers at this event all do unique work related to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and tourism, especially in the food area. We hope that by using local shops and accommodations, participants will learn how to combine food and SDGs in their activities.
