Where the City and Nature Meet

Between people in the built environment and nature in the bush, there is that complex space that is not one or the other.

The Satoyama

Last week I went to the Brisbane Biodiversity Forum to hear about initiatives and experiences in Brisbane and its sister city Kobe. I was struck by the idea of the Satoyama.

The Satoyama is the land around and within the city that was managed by residents through traditional agriculture. It is not pristine wilderness.

Changes in lifestyle have meant that this active use of the land has been abandoned. As a result, the rich biodiverse habitat is being lost and invasive species have invaded. Management of this land is now the City’s responsibility which requires funding, community engagement, and volunteers.

I was very impressed by the way the City of Kobe sees the involvement of the community as essential. Connecting People to the Satoyama Projects is the third pillar of their strategy.

You can find out more about the Kobe Satoyama Biodiversity Strategy and download the brochure from the City of Kobe’s website.

Despite differences in history, there are many ways our cities have many of the same challenges managing that land where people and nature mix. It is local government responsibility so funding, community engagement, and volunteers are important factors.

But I can’t think of an Australian word that is the equivalent of Satoyama. Can you?

Local Action

Thank you to the team at Brisbane City Council for inviting community members along to the forum. Keep up with what’s happening and ways to get involved in Brisbane with the Substack newsletters of Habitat Brisbane and the Creek Catchment Officers’ This Week by the Creek.

For anyone in the Brisbane region, please come and say hello at the Brisbane West Eco Fest on Saturday 23 August!

It’s the perfect day out for families, friends, and anyone interested in sustainability and the environment!

Enjoy keynote speakers, wildlife shows, kids’ activities, delicious food, free plants, and a hall full of passionate community organisations and experts.

• Saturday 23 August

• The Gap State High School

• 10am–2pm

• Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bau2JeizM/

I’ll be there on the Shady Lanes stall, along with ACF Community Brisbane Northside and

Regen Brisbane

. Please come and say hello.