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Intergenerational Knowledge Exchange in Japanese Biosphere Reserves: Community Perceptions from Aya and Mount Hakusan
Aida Mammadova1, Bernadette Ekua Bedua Afful2, Racheal Fosu Donkoh2
1Kanazawa University, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. mammadova@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp.
Environmental Management
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Community members in Japanese Biosphere Reserves (BRs) recognize traditional ecological knowledge as vital for resilience. Effective intergenerational learning, supported by policy, strengthens conservation and rural livelihoods.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Social Science
- Cultural Anthropology
- Rural Development Studies
Background:
- Traditional knowledge transmission is crucial for maintaining cultural continuity and community resilience.
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BRs) serve as unique sites for studying the interplay between traditional knowledge and sustainable practices.
- Intergenerational learning is increasingly recognized as a key factor in supporting ecotourism and local livelihoods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore community perceptions of intergenerational traditional knowledge transfer in two Japanese Biosphere Reserves (BRs).
- To examine how traditional knowledge exchange supports sustainable practices and ecotourism-based livelihoods.
- To identify factors influencing the effectiveness of knowledge transmission across generations.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys and semi-structured interviews.
- Participants included elders, youth, community leaders, and local entrepreneurs across Aya and Mount Hakusan BRs.
- Data analysis focused on community perceptions of knowledge sharing mechanisms and their impact.
Main Results:
- Traditional ecological knowledge is perceived as essential for cultural continuity and community resilience by participants in both BRs.
- Aya's single-town BR structure facilitates more structured intergenerational knowledge exchange compared to Mount Hakusan's multi-municipality structure.
- Younger generations identify elders as primary knowledge holders, emphasizing the importance of mentorship.
Conclusions:
- Fostering effective intergenerational learning enhances conservation values and supports sustainable entrepreneurship.
- Policies promoting shared learning spaces, mentorship, and community-based education are vital for sustaining traditional knowledge in rural areas.
- Successful knowledge transfer strengthens cultural bridging within and beyond local communities.
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