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We had a seminar for teachers about biotopes and Satoyama on November 22 and 23 at our school. "Biotope" is a biological term that was created in Germany. It originally means a small biological area which is different from the surrounding area. Satoyama (found on our school grounds) is a small mountain which has a close relationship with the life of the people living around it.

For example, half a century ago, oak trees at Satoyama were used for making charcoal, as well as its leaves for organic fertilizer. After a few years, new oak trees grew from the trunks, and then they could, in turn, be used by the people for many years to come.

On the first day, Professor Yabu of Wakayama University gave a lecture about the safety involved in making a biotope at one's school. He also explained in detail how to make an artificial pond as a biotope.

Then the teachers from our prefecture and others walked around Satoyama and the biotope special to our school where students grow mushrooms and cultivate rice. They practiced constructing a small brook habitat in the area where fireflies could thrive.

On the second day, Professor Shibata of Kyoto University gave a lecture about Satoyama. He explained the historical change of Satoyama, the characteristics of coppicing (a method of forest management whereby young trees are cut back in order to help them regenerate), the relationships among forests, Satoyama and the sea. He stressed the devastation of Satoyama is related to the change in agriculture and lifestyle in Japan where a lot of chemical fertilizers and fossil fuels have been and still are being used.