In SACRU's November publication on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Sophia University focuses on SDG#15 - ‘Life on Earth’, emphasising the importance of reconciling ecological and social needs, promoting sustainable practices that respect biodiversity and promote a balanced relationship with nature.

Mikiko Sugiura, Professor at SU University's Graduate School of Global Studies, reinforces this perspective when she says: “The various challenges of the SDGs are the result of human activity, and we see a reflection of ourselves in a mirror called the environment”. For the researcher, the solution lies in "analysing historical patterns of behaviour and undertaking significant transformations”, as well as “learning from the wisdom of our predecessors while respecting local diversity”.

A concrete example of this vision is Satoyama, a region in Japan where wet rice cultivation is the main industry. According to Mikiko Sugiura, Satoyama “represents cohesive ecological mosaics of biodiversity that have emerged as a result of long-term human-nature interactions”.

Because of its ecological richness, Satoyama has been the scene of conservation initiatives and “for the past few years, students at Sophia University have regularly participated in conservation activities with the understanding of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and local groups, learning how Satoyama contributes to sustainability”.

Otoha Kawada, a Global Studies student, describes her experience at Satoyama as an “eye-opener”, as she believes that the ecosystem “is designed for perpetuity and benefits all life”. There, she saw how a balance can be created between preserving ecosystems and supporting livelihoods. “Satoyama is a reminder that human intervention does not have to be destructive”, she concludes.

Inspired by this example of harmonious coexistence between people and nature, Mikiko Sugiura leaves a challenge to all: “In the modern context, where multi-purpose solutions are required, why not join us on a journey to explore human engagement with the wisdom of our predecessors, while respecting local diversity?”.

Reah the full paper here

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