Participation of diverse actors and usage of traditional and local knowledge in local biodiversity strategies and action plans of Japanese municipalities

The participation of diverse actors and usage of traditional and local knowledge have been recognized as important for ecosystem management, including local biodiversity strategies and action plans (LBSAPs) implemented in municipalities. Assessing the effects and influences of the participation of diverse actors and usage of traditional and local knowledge requires analyses by a social-ecological system framework. This study aimed to clarify (1) how the participation of diverse actors and the recognition and usage of traditional knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation, and local knowledge that is unique to a local community were related to LBSAP actions and effects and (2) how various social and ecological factors were related with the participation of diverse actors and traditional and local knowledge. We conducted a questionnaire survey and obtained the data from 70 municipalities that have formulated LBSAPs, in addition to other existing data from various sources. We then performed a multiple regression analysis using the full model including all explanatory variables. A positive relationship was observed between the variables for the participation of diverse actors and traditional and local knowledge and the variables for the information sharing, deliberation processes, the evaluative and investment activities of LBSAPs. For example, deliberation process of an LBSAP was thought to have provided an opportunity to recognize and learn local knowledge. Consciousness of local knowledge and usage of traditional knowledge in an LBSAP were then associated with awareness of change toward biodiversity among citizens. The participation of diverse actors and usage of traditional and local knowledge were influenced by several ecological and social factors such as natural and secondary forests, agricultural lands, population and influential people. These results suggest that participation of diverse actors and usage of traditional and local knowledge have a significant role in the formulation of LBSAPs and their outcomes.

Automated summary

The study found a positive relationship between the participation of diverse actors and usage of traditional and local knowledge with the actions and effects of LBSAPs, which were also influenced by various social and ecological factors.