Noto GIAHS Biodiversity Working Group utilized the Taisei Corporation Natural and Historical Environment Public Trust Fund to produce the “Observation instruction video for living creatures in Satoyama and Satoumi”. This video aims to show that school teachers and citizens in the Noto region (9 municipalities) can proactively conduct observation and monitoring activities even without instructors. Also, it targets to widely expand citizen participation in observing living creatures throughout the region. The video is available on YouTube and can be used in local learning activities.
Video details (Satoyama and Satoumi)
Each video is approximately six and a half minutes long and provides an easy-to-understand explanation of observation methods using the educational materials developed by the working group.
- Satoyama (Observation of living creatures in paddy fields)
The video explains the basic procedure for conducting an observation session of living creatures in rice fields in Noto’s Satoyama, designated as GIAHS. It introduces the purpose of the survey, tools to be prepared, safety management, how to catch and observe living creatures, representative species, and the mindset of a leader. In addition, it highlights the importance of utilizing the collected data for local biodiversity conservation.
- Satoumi (Observation of living creatures at the seashore）
The video explains the basic procedure for conducting an observation session in Noto’s Satoumi, designated as GIAHS. It introduces key points for observing rocky shores at low tide, tools and safety management, and precautions concerning dangerous creatures and environmental considerations. In addition, it explains how to engage with children to encourage their observations, and emphasizes the importance of recording and sharing results to support biodiversity conservation.
An important concept shared by both videos is that the instructor does not simply teach the correct answers, but rather serves as a “guide” who nurtures the participant’s curiosity and fosters awareness through the five senses (such as smell, movement, and touch). The data collected during the observation will be compiled using record sheets and shared with local government, which will be used to visualize (map) Noto’s biodiversity. The discoveries made by children will help maintain Noto’s value as a GIAHS and support the protection of its rich natural environment for the future.
【Watch the Videos】
