On May 25, 2023, Researcher Koyama presented a lecture on “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Site (GIAHS): Noto’s Satoyama and Satoumi” from the perspective of food culture to 70 first-year students studying regional concepts at the Graduate School of International Studies at Kanazawa University. Many of these students were from outside the prefecture and were not very familiar with either GIAHS or Noto, making this a valuable opportunity for them to learn about the concepts of Satoyama and Satoumi, as well as the cultural characteristics of the Noto region.
The lecture began with an introduction to the Noto Peninsula, known for its beautiful natural environment and traditional agricultural culture and recognized as a GIAHS. This designation acknowledges the importance of sustainable agriculture and food culture in the region, and Noto’s efforts have received international recognition.
In Noto, the Satoumi (coastal areas) and Satoyama (mountainous traditional rural areas) are in close proximity, allowing for easy access to fresh ingredients, creating an environment conducive to the development of food culture. The session highlighted the excellent fermentation techniques and traditional cooking methods that have developed in this region, emphasizing their deep connections to local climate, biological resources, and lifestyles, as well as their links to biodiversity.
To convey the GIAHS Noto to the younger generation, the lecture introduced a picture book and animation titled “Let’s Make a Harvest Feast,” produced by the United Nations University. Students were able to watch the animation, which illustrates the relationship between local food culture, agriculture, fishing, and the natural environment, as well as their appeal and richness. The students engaged with the video, showing genuine interest. After the animation, the session also covered the challenges the region faces and the initiatives being undertaken by OUIK to address these issues.
The food culture of Noto, recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage site, is important not only as a cultural asset but also for its contribution to the richness of local biodiversity and the achievement of the SDGs. We hope that students gained insights from various perspectives, and we anticipate that the content of this lecture will serve as a hint or inspiration as they continue their studies in the future.
