Biodiversity and Culture: Unraveling the Symbiosis between Nature and Human Heritage
This lecture examines the relationship between biodiversity and culture, with a focus on Okinawa’s traditional village landscape. Built upon Fengshui principles, villages are protected by multilayered forests and curving roads that shield them from typhoons and monsoonal winds. Dr. Bixia Chen explores how these ancient cultural practices contribute to environmental conservation, emphasizing the role of sacred forests and trees, including Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica), in the cultural heritage of the Ryukyu Islands. The lecture also delves into the evolution of sacred sites and their connection to spirituality, illustrating the complex interplay of forestry policy, biodiversity, and community practices.
Bixia Chen is an associate professor of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of the Ryukyus, Japan.