Psychological Ownership of Ethnobotany for Strengthening Social-Ecological Systems

Abstract

The theory of psychological ownership (PO) of ethnobotanical (ETB) plants in sustainable tourism for social-ecological revitalization was studied in Irouzaki, Japan with two objectives: to study PO of residents regarding local ETB plants; and to study the current state of and locals' ideas for ETBs in the theory. Review, workshops, interviews and action research were done. Results showed limited PO of tropical and native ETBs due to modern life and local depression. Although the connection to landscape is currently low, the locals want to use ETBs for deeper connection with the landscape and culture, and to create a brand identity.