Tokyo-NbS Action Award Honors Sustainable Practices in Inagi City

On January 27, 2024, the Tokyo-NbS Action Award’s ceremony took place at Park Tower Hall in Shinjuku, recognizing initiatives that successfully integrate nature into community development. Pal System Tokyo, based in Shinjuku-ku's Okubo, was awarded the Excellent Award in the small to medium-sized organization category for their “Inagi Megumi no Satoyama” project in Inagi City. This initiative has garnered commendations for the community-building and sustainable management practices that utilize nature effectively.

Nature-Based Solutions Recognized

The Tokyo-NbS Action Award is an initiative set up by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2024 to commend organizations for pioneering nature-based solutions (NbS) that address pressing societal issues. In its second iteration, the award attracted submissions from 52 groups, of which only four were honored. This reflects a growing recognition of efforts to weave ecological sustainability into the fabric of urban life.

Pal System Tokyo, now managing approximately 2.5 hectares of satoyama in Inagi City, collaborates with nuucoto Co., Ltd., a company based locally in Inagi City, to conduct nature experiences and conservation activities. Their commitment to involving community members and stakeholders has been instrumental in achieving this recognition.

During the awards ceremony, Yoko Nishimura, the chairperson of Pal System Tokyo, received the award and a commemorative gift from Shoichi Kurioka, the Deputy Governor of Tokyo. Kurioka praised the organization's efforts in fostering community revitalization and contribution to satoyama preservation, remarking on the importance of diverse activities in tackling social issues. Nishimura expressed gratitude for the recognition, affirming the challenges of satoyama management and the organization’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with users and community members to build a future in harmony with nature.

Engaging the Community through Nature

Since its establishment in 2004, “Inagi Megumi no Satoyama” has transformed a once-neglected forest area rife with bamboo into a vibrant hub for nature experiences and agricultural activities. Initially, Pal System Tokyo obtained the land in 2017, which was subsequently designated as a natural environment conservation area by Inagi City in 2018. As of 2023, the management activities were handed over to nuucoto, who aim to bridge community activities with local production through various events such as handmade markets.

Their approach includes rebuilding facilities, implementing new event ideas, and offering open days to the public to enhance appreciation for satoyama. In the 2024 fiscal year alone, they plan to host 68 events, with activities like biodiversity surveys, bamboo crafts, and harvesting vegetables from the fields attracting 2,476 participants. These activities foster relationships among users and local residents, creating a community centered around shared experiences in nature.

Building a Sustainable Future

Under a newly established task force in 2023, Pal System Tokyo and nuucoto are addressing environmental challenges, such as the encroachment of bamboo and the dying off of deciduous trees. By collaborating with the certified NPO JUON NETWORK and researchers, they are developing a forest management plan to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem.

This task force engages in discussions and creates maps that delineate different zones according to geographical features, establishing a structured plan for maintenance and future development. The plan includes rejuvenating deciduous trees and utilizing soil seed banks as a guideline for sustainable practices.

With a focus on training future stewards of the satoyama, nuucoto works with staff and community volunteers to nurture the environment, aiming to maintain the balance between bamboo regrowth and tree conservation. They continue to hold training programs for new graduates and interested staff, welcoming community involvement in these efforts.

Pal System Tokyo remains committed to harnessing nature’s power to resolve community challenges, continuing their dedication to sustainable practices through collaborative work with users and diverse organizations.