On 10 September 2024, UNU-IAS co-hosted a session of the 16th International Forum for Sustainable Asia and the Pacific (ISAP 2024). It discussed how socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) can transform food systems, featuring case studies by members of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI). The event was organized in partnership with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
Opening the session, Kazuhiko Takeuchi (President, IGES; Visiting Professor, UNU-IAS) stressed the intrinsic connection between nature and food systems. He emphasized that unsustainable food practices contribute to critical global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, creating vicious cycles that threaten ecosystems and human well-being. Koji Miwa (Policy Researcher, Biodiversity and Forest, IGES) introduced IPSI, a global network of organizations aiming to realize societies in harmony with nature through the sustainable management and revitalization of SEPLS. These systems integrate conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity with production activities, providing an approach that transforms food systems for the well-being of the environment and societies.
Silvana Juri (Research Associate, South American Institute for Resilience and Sustainability Studies (SARAS); Postdoctoral Fellow, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University) shared insights from the latest research on food system transformation. She noted areas that required more attention, such as biocultural diversity, the balance between tradition and innovation, and the role of "blue foods" sourced from seascapes, which SEPLS research could further advance.
Representatives of IPSI member organizations presented case studies on practical applications of the SEPLS approach in food systems. Hwa-Ching Lin (Director General, Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA)) and Chih-You Ken (Chair of the Board, Miaoli County Saisiyat Indigenous Peoples Forestry and Worker Limited Liability Cooperative; Saisiyat Elder) discussed a collaborative project of FANCA and the Saisiyat Tribe. Through co-managing forests and developing a green forest industry, the project improved the tribe's livelihoods and the ecosystem, and contributed to the restoration of endangered plants of cultural significance for the tribe. Malin Jönsson (Director, Fundación Semillas de Vida, A.C.) detailed efforts in Mexico to connect farmers directly with consumers by subsidizing tortillas made from traditional landrace maize varieties. This initiative promotes maize diversity and supports local consumption.
A panel discussion stressed the need to build partnerships with consumers, businesses and policymakers, and harmonize innovation with traditional practices, while incorporating cultural values in the process.
In closing remarks, Wataru Suzuki (Director, Biodiversity Strategy Office, Ministry of the Environment, Japan) underscored the importance of SEPLS in achieving not only sustainable food production but also a broader transformation of food systems. He added that the growing body of knowledge within IPSI provides valuable insights into how SEPLS can be integrated into wider food system strategies.
A recording of the event is available on YouTube.
