Regeneration of Underused Natural Resources by Collaboration Between Urban and Rural Residents: A Case Study in Fujiwara District, Japan

A collaborative effort between urban and rural residents successfully regenerated underused semi-natural grasslands, known as Uenohara, in Japan's Fujiwara District. Once a vital local commons providing resources like thatch, fertilizer, and forage, the area fell into disuse due to social changes, leading to vegetation succession and biodiversity decline. The regeneration initiative, involving traditional practices such as thatch cropping and controlled burning, highlighted three key factors for addressing underused natural resources: active management for use, the intrinsic value of place ('placeness'), and the preservation of traditional knowledge. This case study demonstrates how diversified participation, role-sharing governance, and shifting benefits can restore ecological and cultural value to degraded landscapes.

Hirahara, S. (2020). Regeneration of Underused Natural Resources by Collaboration Between Urban and Rural Residents: A Case Study in Fujiwara District, Japan. International Journal of the Commons, 14(1), 173–190. https://doi.org/10.5334/ijc.977