The seminar will run from 1:30pm-2:30pm and be followed by a panel discussion and the opportunity to network.

In this seminar, three academics from the Nanzan University Institute for Social Ethics in Nagoya, Japan, will explore the relevance of the Landcare model, which has been practiced in Australia for many years. They will examine this model through the lens of autonomy and the principle of subsidiarity, offering insights and discussions on how Landcare can be analyzed and modeled from a social ethics perspective. Dr. Kaz Kagohashi, an expert in ecological economics; Dr. Steve Mere, who specializes in international law and theology; and Dr. Taro Okuda, a philosopher, will invite participants to engage in an interdisciplinary dialogue about Landcare.

Acknowledgement

Founded in 1980, Nanzan University Institute for Social Ethics will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2025. Kaz, Steve, and Taro would like to express their gratitude for the opportunity to present at the Fenner Seminar during this significant year. Their research is funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) under the KAKENHI program (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B), 23K21786).

1. Dr Kazuki Kagohashi (Associate Professor, Institute for Social Ethics, Nanzan University)

Title: “Landcare as a Platform Promoting ‘Ikigai’”

Abstract:

Landcare has been in practice for over 35 years in Australia, aiding in the conservation of local natural environments through collaboration between local communities, such as landcare groups/networks, and various local and regional authorities, including universities and state and federal governments. While it has been argued that Landcare offers various social benefits, such as building social capital and promoting a connection to nature, greater emphasis should be placed on its contribution to “ikigai” through participation in Landcare. The term "Ikigai" is a Japanese concept that refers to an individual's reason for being or living. Kaz argues that Landcare serves as a crucial platform for promoting the "ikigai" of landcarers at local and regional levels. He outlines a Landcare model that aligns factors such as serious leisure, autonomy, and a sense of belonging with the enhancement of "ikigai."

Photo 1: Dr Kaz Kagohashi

2. Dr Stefanus Winibaldus Mere (Director, Institute for Social Ethics, Nanzan University)

Title: “How Landcare Amplifies Subsidiarity as a ‘Multidimensional Polycentric Governance’

Abstract:

The principle of subsidiarity and the Landcare movement are closely related, as Landcare embodies the concept of subsidiarity in its approach to environmental management. Subsidiarity as a form of governance implies that decisions should be made at the most local level capable of addressing the issue effectively, with higher levels intervening only when necessary. Landcare aligns with subsidiarity principle by empowering local communities to manage their environment. As this principle is mainly associated with multi-level governance (vertical subsidiarity), Landcare movement implies the significance of multi-center governance (horizontal subsidiarity) alongside vertical subsidiarity for an effective implementation of environmental management.

Photo 2: Dr Steve Mere

3. Dr Taro Okuda (Professor, Institute for Social Ethics, Nanzan University)

Title: “Expertise and Autonomy in Landcare: A Philosophical perspective”

Abstract:

One of the key factors in maintaining the appropriate balance between individual and collective autonomy in Landcare activities is the way in which expertise is handled. Whilst expertise contributes to autonomy by expanding options for more complex issues, it can also undermine autonomy through expert guidance, information asymmetries and divergent views. This presentation analyses the ways in which expertise supports the autonomy of landcare activities by referring to philosophical discussions of expertise in the sociology of science to elucidate the essence of it.

Photo 3: Dr Taro Okuda

The seminar will run from 1:30pm-2:30pm and be followed by a panel discussion and the opportunity to network.

Photo credit for banner image: Feral Arts/Flickr