The symposium was held at Tokushima University on March 11, 2008, and attended by approximately 130 local people.
The purpose of this symposium was to rediscover the characteristics and potential of indigenous agriculture in the Nishi-Awa region by comparing it with agricultural practices of other parts of the world and Japan. The symposium also considered the possibilities and challenges of utilizing indigenous agriculture as a resource for the future of local communities and the entire humanity.
Ms. Naoko Takemoto, who works at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Liaison Office in Japan; Dr. Evonne Yiu, who is in charge of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems at the United Nations University; and Prof. Naoki NAITO, Associate Professor at the Tokushima University Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Science, gave lectures. Later, a panel discussion was held between them and other panelists.
Ms. Takemoto provided an overview of the activities of the United Nations Agricultural Organization (FAO).
Dr. Yiu explained the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) and introduced case studies in Japan that have been designated as GIAHS sites.
Pro. Naoki NAITO explained the Nishi-Awa steep slope land agriculture system and its potential for sustainable agriculture. The symposium helped the local people deepen their understanding of the GIAHS site and the Nishi-Awa Steep Slope Land Agriculture System.
| Title: | Aiming for the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems: Potential for Sloping Land Farming Systems on Mount Tsurugi |
| Date: | March 11, 2016 |
| Venue: | Tokushima University |
| Sponsor: | Tokushima Tsurugisan Global Agricultural Heritage Promotion Council Secretariat, Tokushima University |
| Partner: | Tokushima Prefecture |
| Participation fee: | free |
Program
13：00～13：15
Opening remarks: Shigeru Kanenishi (Mayor of Tsurugi town), Kazufumi Yoshida (vice president, Tokushima University), and Toshihiro Kotani (Senior Policy Administrator, Tokushima Prefecture)
Introduction to this symposium by Prof. Naoki Naito (Tokushima University Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Science)
13：50～13：55 Coffee break
13：55～14：25
Keynote speech 1: ”World Food Security and FAO Activities: From the Perspectives of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems”
by Naoko TAKEMOTO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Liaison Office in Japan）
Keynote speech 2: “Significance of GIAHS in Japan and its utilization”
by Dr. Evonne Yiu (Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, United Nations University)
14：25～14：55
Keynote speech 3: “Overview of indigenous agriculture in Mt.Tsurugi”
by Prof. Naoki Naito (Tokushima University Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Science)
14：55～15：10 Coffee break
< Part 2 >
15：10～16：10
Panel discussion: Potential of Nishi-Awa region as a candidate for GIAHS
Facilitator: Prof. Naoki Naito (Tokushima University Graduate School of Technology, Industrial, and Social Science)
Panelists: Naoko TAKEMOTO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Liaison Office in Japan), Evonne Yiu (Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, United Nations University), and Yasuo Koizumi (Nishibuchi Agricultural Production Association).
