Traditional Tea-grass Integrated System in Shizuoka as a GIAHS Site: Values and Conservation—Background of Application and Efforts after Registration

doi:10.5814/j.issn.1674-764X.2019.05.006

Abstract

Abstract:

The traditional tea-grass integrated system in Shizuoka is the first example of a Globally Important Agriculture Heritage Systems (GIAHS) site in Japan that was proposed by a local government. In this paper, we report the background and circumstances leading to the recognition of this system, its registration as a GIAHS, and its current use after registration. Although semi-natural grasslands have decreased considerably in Japan, we found unique semi-natural grasslands with no pest insects and a rich biodiversity around the tea fields. These grasslands and the farming method employed are known as “Chagusaba”, which was registered as a GIAHS in 2013. However, the registration process for GIAHS was not easy, as many local farmers do not understand the value of their traditional farming methods or the GIAHS honor. After registering Chagusaba as a GIAHS, our main agenda was branding. Traditional farming, with time and effort, produces high-quality tea. As labor saving technologies in agriculture have progressed in Japan, the price of high-quality tea has declined, and consequently, the numbers of farmers performing the inefficient traditional farming methods are decreasing. It is necessary to correctly brand the Chagusaba-grown tea and reflect the value of the traditional farming method in the price. The local government of the Shizuoka Prefecture is currently working on implementing a certification system, which includes scientific evaluation using GPS, and the introduction of biodiversity indicators.

Key words: GIAHS, traditional tea-grass integrated system, Chagusaba

Hidehiro INAGAKI, Yoshinobu KUSUMOTO. Traditional Tea-grass Integrated System in Shizuoka as a GIAHS Site: Values and Conservation—Background of Application and Efforts after Registration[J]. Journal of Resources and Ecology, 2019, 10(5): 511-517.

Figures/Tables 6

Fig. 1 Classification of vegetation type in abandoned farmlands by TWINSPAN (two-way indicator species analysis)

Fig. 2 Three classification levels of farmers based on biodiversity contribution degree

Fig. 3 Seal showing certification

Fig. 4 The change of participation among farmers in the certification system

Fig. 5 The change of area of registered Chagusaba

Fig. 6 The posters of GIAHS cite of Chagusaba farming created by the local farmers themselves

References 9

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