京都大学 京都大学

UNESCO Chair Fieldwork:Water, Forest and Society

Numbering Code G-LAS15 80015 PB80 Year/Term 2022 ・ Intensive, year-round
Number of Credits 2 Course Type Practical training
Target Year Graduate students Target Student For all majors
Language Japanese and English Day/Period Intensive
Instructor name KOSUGI YOSHIKO (Graduate School of Agriculture Professor)
KOSUGI KENICHIROU (Graduate School of Agriculture Professor)
FUJIHARA MASAYUKI (Graduate School of Agriculture Professor)
TOKUCHI NAOKO (Field Science Education and Research Center Professor)
YAMASHIKI YOUSUKE (Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability Professor)
MATSUSHITA KOUJI (Graduate School of Agriculture Professor)
naito daisuke (Graduate School of Agriculture Assistant Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course This course was set by a Kyoto University UNESCO Chair of WENDI, and aims to provide interdisciplinary knowledge on forest, water, society, and the interaction of ecological systems and social systems through field works. The course consists of intensive field works and several site visits. An intensive 3 days of fieldwork will be held in Kawakami Village, Nara Prefecture in early summer and early winter. This course will be offered in English and Japanese.
Course Goals To acquire basic knowledge on forest ecology, biodiversity, hydrology, ecosystem management, and the sustainable development of human society.
Schedule and Contents 1. Intensive Field Work in Kawakami Village, Nara Prefecture
Three days fieldwork will be set in June and December and will cover the topics below.
- Forest ecosystem survey and forest management
- Biodiversity survey for flora and fauna
- Remote sensing
- Aquatic ecosystem survey, water quality monitoring, and water management
- Sustainable development of communities using ecosystems
- The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve system and Eco-park system of Japan

2. Intensive Field Work in Shirahama Oceanographic Observatory and Tanabe Bay, Wakayama Prefecture
Two days field work will be set in June to obtain basic knowledge and skill of ocean observation and learn aquatic ecosystem.
-Shirahama Oceanographic Observatory, Kyoto University
-Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto University
-Tanabe bay field observation experience

3. Field visits in the Kinki area
At least four fieldworks will be prepared and we will study the monitoring and restoration of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, water management, and sustainable development of society.
- Tanakamiyama forest restoration site
- KIRYU　Experimental Watershed
- Hokusetsu Satoyama Conservation Area
- Nara Basin Irrigation System

These field works are held weekend.
When the fieldworks are difficult to be conducted due to Covid-19 pandemic or other reasons, we will implement virtual fieldworks and lectures.
Evaluation Methods and Policy The criteria of course completion is as follows.
To complete the course, students are requested to join at least five field works and submit the assignment for each fieldwork. Kawakami Mura Fieldwork is counted as three fieldworks and Shirahama Fieldwork is counted as two field works. The other one day fieldworks are counted as one fieldwork. In February, students are requested to submit the final report. Topic of the report title will be announced later.
Student performance is evaluated by the active participation, assignments and final report.
For further details, refer to current year's 'Guide to Degree Programs' for attainment levels of evaluation.
Course Requirements Expenditure for transportation to the fields is necessary(around 15,000 yen) to attend the field works.
Expenditure for the two-night three-day accommodation (less than 10,000 yen) is necessary for the intensive fieldwork at Kawakami Mura and Shirahama.
Insurance …Students must join Student Accident Insurance (GAKKENSAI).
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) No preparation is required.
Students must submit a final report assigned during the field work and site visits.
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