Incorporating Biocultural Values in Biodiversity Conservation Policies: A Case Study of the Regional Strategy for Biodiversity in Okinawa

A key insight from this study is that integrating local biocultural values into biodiversity conservation policies can effectively bridge global policy imperatives and regional uniqueness, as demonstrated by Okinawa Prefecture's Regional Strategy for Biodiversity. The research employs a biocultural approach to analyze how traditional knowledge and cultural practices rooted in the Ryukyu Arc were adopted as indicators for evaluating biodiversity strategies. By examining the interaction between biocultural diversity and policy frameworks, the study highlights the potential of such an approach to foster sustainable development and enrich human-nature interactions. This work underscores the importance of comparative studies across the Pacific and Southeast Asia to deepen our understanding and implementation of biocultural conservation strategies.

Takahashi, S., Toyama, M., & Tanaka, T. (2023). Incorporating Biocultural Values in Biodiversity Conservation Policies: A Case Study of the Regional Strategy for Biodiversity in Okinawa. Journal of Marine and Island Cultures, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.21463/jmic.2023.12.3.02