抄録
Balancing urban development with environmental conservation has been a critical issue across multiple disciplines, including urban planning, sociology, environmental studies, economics, and political science. This symposium examines the theoretical frameworks and practical approaches necessary to achieve this balance, using the case of Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture as a reference.
Nagareyama City has undergone significant urban development following the
opening of the Tsukuba Express (TX) railway. To address sustainability challenges, the city has formulated the “Third Nagareyama Environmental Basic Plan”, which envisions a city where nature, energy efficiency, resource circulation, and citizen participation coexist harmoniously. Key citizen-led initiatives include the preservation of “Ichinoya Forest”, the restoration of the Tone Canal, and the “Nagareyama Open Garden” movement. These initiatives demonstrate the power of local engagement in sustainable urban development.
The symposium focused on three key themes: (1) the role of social capital in urban sustainability, (2) urban planning that integrates local natural resources, and (3) collaboration between citizens, government, and non-profit organizations (NPO). Case studies highlighted various approaches, such as community-led green infrastructure projects, participatory environmental monitoring, and ecologically mindful urban redevelopment. The discussions underscored that sustainable urban development requires not only physical environmental planning but also mechanisms for fostering civic engagement and cooperation.
Findings suggest that urban and environmental planning should not be seen as opposing forces but as interdependent processes that can benefit from active citizen participation and social capital. The lessons from Nagareyama City can serve as a model for other municipalities in Japan and globally, demonstrating that collaborative approaches between stakeholders can lead to more resilient and sustainable urban futures.
