The Transition of Forest Cover and Its Cultural Values in Shrine/Temple Forests in the Mountainous and Foothill Areas of Kyoto City: A Study Based on Topographic Maps and Aerial Photos

A significant decline in the cultural value of shrine/temple forests in Kyoto City's mountainous and foothill areas has been observed, primarily due to reduced human activity since the 1980s. These forests, once distinct with low Pinus densiflora and coppice cover, have become increasingly indistinguishable from surrounding woodlands, risking homogenization of their unique cultural characteristics and biodiversity. The study, leveraging GIS analysis of topographic maps and aerial photographs from 1890 to 2010, traces this transition, highlighting how historical land-use practices—such as coniferous planting for conservation and timber—shaped these landscapes. This research underscores the vulnerability of culturally significant forests when traditional management wanes, offering critical insights for preserving both ecological and heritage values in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Funahashi, T., & Shibata, S. (2023). The Transition of Forest Cover and Its Cultural Values in Shrine/Temple Forests in the Mountainous and Foothill Areas of Kyoto City: A Study Based on Topographic Maps and Aerial Photos. Land, 12(12), 2096. https://doi.org/10.3390/land12122096