Symbiotic Landscape Reflected on the Water Surface - Paddy Field Regeneration and Ecosystem Restoration in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture (2003)

Symbiotic Landscape Reflected on the Water Surface - Paddy Field Regeneration and Ecosystem Restoration in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture (2003)

In 2003, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, began to develop a paddy field biotope for the purpose of ecosystem restoration as the city sought to make use of the increasing number of fallow rice paddies due to changes in agricultural structure and the aging of the farming population. After the collapse of the bubble economy, the disparity between urban and rural areas became apparent, and abandoned farmland continued to fall into disrepair. At the same time, there was a growing movement in many areas to seek a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, and Azumino became a symbolic area of this movement.

Local residents and NPOs worked together to restore the wetland environment by digging down abandoned rice paddies and drawing in water. Reed and toad plants were planted to create an environment where dragonflies, frogs, and wild birds could return. In particular, the confirmation of a quasi-endangered dragonfly species was an achievement that gave hope to the community. This movement to restore the ecosystem was not limited to mere environmental conservation; it was also a community revitalization through the participation of local residents. Local residents became involved in grass cutting and survey activities, and "nature to be protected" was integrated into their daily lives.

Furthermore, the biotope was also used as a place for environmental learning by urban schools, and served as a bridge for educational exchange between urban and rural areas. Urban children had the opportunity to come into contact with mud and experience firsthand the cycle of life, and for the local community, the biotope became a source of pride. The Azumino experiment is still being emulated by many municipalities today as a successful example of how to reverse the social problem of abandoned farmland and restore the ecosystem and vitality of a community.