Aims

While the term bio-cultural diversity is often used in connection with indigenous people and the threats to their traditional culture in Africa, the Americas, Australia, or Asia, there is a similar development in Europe. The traditional alpine pastures in Central Europe serve as a good example for the close relationship between landscape, physical environment, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. One goal of the conference is therefore to emphasize the importance of the survival of bio-cultural diversity in Europe.  The conference will provide opportunity for transdisciplinary and international exchange on the topic, particularly between Japan and Europe.


The aims of the conference are:

·        to emphasize the need for understanding the links between biodiversity and traditional regional culture for preserving both: biodiversity and cultural heritage,

·        to discuss approaches and share ideas on how to preserve bio-cultural diversity, and

·        to exchange experiences made with activities and projects that have been designed not only to protect bio-cultural diversity of a region, but to revive the ancient Ways of Life and adapt them to the necessities of  today and the future.