Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in “edible landscapes” around the world. In this paper, using the city of Andernach in Germany as a case study, we aim to clarify the mechanisms, achievements and issues of the “edible city,” which is an expansion of the edible landscape to the urban environment. The following four points were clarified through an interview survey of the project staff in 2024, on-site surveys and systematic literature surveys. (1) The reality of the “top-down” approach led by the local government was based on a cross-sector team that included the mayor. (2) The attempt to allow anyone to harvest produce from public green spaces in the city of Andernach attracted a great deal of attention both domestically and internationally. (3) The attempt to make the entire city of Andernach an edible city was confirmed. (4) Rather than aiming for quantitative expansion, qualitative expansion was required. The edible city project in Andernach can be said to be a unique project on a global scale. However, it is being developed in stages, and it can be said that the concept of permaculture is also present. In terms of suggestions for Japan, the example of the city of Andernach can be understood as a means of using public green spaces in a new way. It can also be said that the feasibility of implementing this in Japan is high, but it is important to calmly assess the risks and implement it as a small project. In addition, it can be said that expertise and interdisciplinarity are the foundations of implementation.
