Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät - Geographisches Institut

KOSMOS-Lesung by Dr. Bixia Chen
Biodiversity and Culture:
Unraveling the Symbiosis between Nature and Human Heritage
Thursday, 22 May 2025, 18.00-19.30
HU Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, Senate hall

Dr. Bixia Chen examines the relationship between biodiversity and culture, with a focus on Okinawa’s traditional village landscape. Built upon Fengshui principles, villages are protected by multilayered forests and curving roads that shield them from typhoons and monsoonal winds. Bixia Chen explores how these ancient cultural practices contribute to environmental conservation, emphasizing the role of sacred forests and trees, including Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica), in the cultural heritage of the Ryukyu Islands. The lecture also delves into the evolution of sacred sites and their connection to spirituality, illustrating the complex interplay of forestry policy, biodiversity, and community practices.

Dr. Bixia Chen is an associate professor of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of the Ryukyus, Japan, with a focus on urban forestry, village landscape, eco-tourism, and rural tourism. Her lecture will be moderated by Prof. Dr. Marcel Robischon, Head of the Division of Agricultural Ecology at HU Berlin.

Further information: https://www.iri-thesys.org/outreach/events/?event_id1=11755

About the lecture series

The KOSMOS-Lesungen are in the tradition of one of the most famous lecture series in the German history of science: Alexander von Humboldt’s Kosmos Lectures. Around 200 years ago, the natural scientist spanned the entire world and all disciplines of science. Today’s interdisciplinary KOSMOS lectures are dedicated to the challenging transformation processes in the age of the Anthropocene. The lecture series is organized by IRI THESys, Humboldt-Universität’s hub for inter- and transdisciplinary research on sustainability transformations.

Note on film and photo recordings: During the event, photos and videos will be taken. The material will be used exclusively for the purpose of public relations.