On 20 October 2023 Japan Today, an English language online newspaper, published an opinion piece by Juan Pastor-Ivars (Research Associate, UNU-IAS) on the multiple benefits that urban nature offers to communities, focusing on the traditional gardens in Kanazawa City, Japan.
Centered around the themes of water, artisans, communities, and youth, the piece features four videos produced by UNU-IAS highlighting the role of urban nature in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.
Excerpt:
Communities' interactions with natural features help to increase their harmony, raising awareness of the benefits of kinship with nature. Experiencing for ourselves that nature is our primary source of well-being is crucial. Through volunteering, communities can help to maintain the green commons and implement ecotourism.
The full article is available on Japan Today website.
