Holding of Symposium at Ecosummit 2024

The following symposium on Synecoculture and Augmented Ecosystems was held on the 16th of December at Ecosummit 2024 in Zhengzhou, China.

Symposium “Human Augmentation of Ecosystems: Towards an Eco-Civilization

Chair: Masa Funabashi Co-Chair: Tatsuya Kawaoka

Abstract

In line with Ecosummit 2024’s theme of fostering “Eco-Civilization for a Sustainable and Desirable Future,” this symposium will explore pioneering advancements in ecosystem augmentation, drawing from recent research and practical applications in Japan, Africa, Latin America and China. Under the theme “Human Augmentation of Ecosystems,” which was previously published as a perspective from Nature Research [1], we aim to convene interdisciplinary perspectives on nature-positive solutions grounded in ecological science, artificial intelligence, and ESG-based management strategies. These contributions will highlight how ecosystem augmentation can sustainably enhance biodiversity, health, and climate resilience, ultimately contributing to a shared natural-social common capital.

The symposium brings together experts from academia and industry, including speakers from Sony Group companies in Japan and China, which are advancing technological solutions for sustainable ecosystems, and the Research Division of Social Common Capital and the Future at Kyoto University, which is at the forefront of establishing frameworks for natural-social common capital. Our symposium will cover foundational science, innovative technologies, and emerging practices across different regions, emphasizing the role of ecosystems as self-organizing, resilient entities capable of supporting human well-being and environmental stability.

Objectives and Scope

The symposium’s goal is to present a comprehensive, multi-faceted exploration of ecosystem augmentation and its role in fostering eco-civilization. Key topics that will be explored by more than 4 presenters will include:

  1. Scientific Foundations and Technological Approaches

We will begin with the scientific underpinnings of ecosystem augmentation, focusing on Synecoculture, a method developed to achieve high biodiversity and productivity in human-managed ecosystems [2]. This approach leverages the natural interactions among plant species to create self-sustaining ecosystems without chemical inputs. Presentations will discuss the ecological principles and data underlying this system, offering insights into its global adaptability, particularly in regions with deteriorating agricultural viability.

  1. Data-Driven Management and AI Integration

With global biodiversity under unprecedented pressure, integrating big data and AI into ecosystem management is crucial for long-term resilience. Our symposium will highlight how big data and AI technologies can be deployed to monitor and optimize ecosystem functions, enhance real-time decision-making, and facilitate adaptive management practices that align with ESG priorities. We will share case studies from Sony Group companies, showcasing practical applications that merge ecological intelligence with advanced analytics.

  1. Practical Applications in the Global South

As the Global South increasingly experiences environmental challenges, innovative ecosystem augmentation practices are emerging as viable solutions. We will feature new implementations in coastal regions of China, where ecosystem augmentation is mitigating habitat degradation, reducing run-offs that affect marine biodiversity, and strengthening local climate resilience. The potential scalability of these applications to other regions will also be discussed.

  1. Health Implications and Immune-Related Benefits

Finally, the symposium will delve into the connections between augmented ecosystems and human health, with a particular focus on immune-related diseases. Research is demonstrating that exposure to biodiverse environments can positively impact immune health, supporting ecosystem services as a public health strategy. We will present findings that suggest how augmented ecosystems contribute to a reduction in chronic illnesses linked to immune dysfunction.

Relevance and Significance

The concept of “Human Augmentation of Ecosystems” embodies a transformative vision for eco-civilization, fostering symbiotic relationships between human societies and natural systems. By engaging a multidisciplinary panel of experts, this symposium offers Ecosummit 2024 a valuable platform to examine the ecological, technological, and social dimensions of sustainable ecosystem management. Through international collaboration and innovative methodologies, this symposium will underscore the potential of augmented ecosystems as foundational assets for human resilience and a sustainable future.

References

  1. M. Funabashi “Human Augmentation of Ecosystems: Objectives for food production and science by 2045.” Nature Partner Journal Science of Food, 2018 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-018-0026-4
  2. M. Funabashi “Power-law productivity of highly biodiverse agroecosystems supports land recovery and climate resilience.” Nature Partner Journal Sustainable Agriculture, 2024 https://www.nature.com/articles/s44264-024-00014-4

Presentations at WCCS24

Masa Funabashi and Taka Sasaki presented the following papers at the 5th World Conference on Complex Systems, which was held on November 11th and 12th, 2024, in Casablanca, Morocco.

Takahiro Sasaki, Godai Suzuki and Masatoshi Funabashi “Integrated Stock and Flow Dynamics for Comprehensive Carbon Offset Evaluation” IEEE Proceedings of the 2024 World Conference on Complex Systems (WCCS), November 11-14, 2024, Mohammedia, Morocco

Masatoshi Funabashi, Kei Aria Nonaka and Tomoyuki Minami “Scale-Free Correction of Under-/Over-Reported Biases in Global Biotic Interaction Network” IEEE Proceedings of the 2024 World Conference on Complex Systems (WCCS), November 11-14, 2024, Mohammedia, Morocco

The abstract book is available here.

Link to the IEEE Proceeding of the 2024 World Conference on Complex Systems (WCCS)

Information Sharing at World Without Hunger Conference

Centre Africain de Recherche et de Formation en Synécoculture (CARFS) / African Center for Training and Research in Synecoculture (ACTRS) has shared information about Synecoculture activities at the World Without Hunger Conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 5-7 Nov 2024.

The conference is co-organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the Government of Ethiopia, with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Keynote presentation at EAVLD2024, Padova, Italy

Masa Funabashi gave a keynote lecture at the 7th Congress of the European Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (EAVLD 2024), held on 21st-23rd October 2024 in Padova, Italy.

The presentation was entitled “From One Health to Planetary Health: towards an ecosystem-based approach to food production and public health with Synecoculture and Augmented Ecosystems.”

The abstract book is available here:

Gerardo Manfreda et al., Editors (2024) “EAVLD 2024 – 7th Congress of the European Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, 21st-23rd October 2024”, Italian Journal of Food Safety, 13(4). doi: 10.4081/ijfs.2024.13488.

Presentazione all’evento FondIZ/SIDiLV/IZSLER a Brescia, Italia

Masa Funabashi ha presentato all’attività formativa di SIDiLV “I cambiamenti climatici: sistemi di resilienza delle attività agricole al riscaldamento globale,” co-organizzata con FondIZ e IZSLER l’11 ottobre 2024. L’evento è stato anche accreditato ECM (Educazione Continua in Medicina).

La presentazione è intitolata “Synecoculture and Human Augmentation of Ecosystems: Opportunities for Introduction in Mediterranean Countries”

Poster Presentation at ICSD2024

André Tindano presented the poster:

“Synecoculture” as a forever carbon-negative agro-ecological paradigm

at the 12th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD2024), held on 19-21 Sep 2024 in New York, under the theme: 3A Nature-based solutions for local climate challenges.

The International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) is known for providing a forum for academia, government, civil society, UN agencies, and the private sector to come together and share practical solutions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Presentation at the Future of Climate Summit VOL II in New York

The Future of Climate Summit VOL II was held on September 20, 2024, at Dentons Law Firm in New York Midtown. This event, co-hosted by PDIE Group and Venionaire Capital AG, convened global leaders, innovators, and investors to address critical issues in the climate crisis. With the theme “Positive Futures enabled by AI,” the summit delved into key topics such as energy transition, sustainable cities, biodiversity, and groundbreaking innovations in collaboration with The Earthshot Prize.

Masa Funabashi joined as a featured speaker in the Food & Agriculture session.

Read the conference report here.