Reconstruction of historic garden and natural environment for the conservation of cultural landscapes in the historic site affected by volcanic eruption

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We studied the process of natural environmental changes at volcanic areas in Vesuvius, Italy, Mt. Pinatubo, the Philippines, and Miyake Island, Japan.Firstly, we clarified the type of wood which was used for Roman buildings at the excavation site. We found many building materials made by chestnut. In southern Europe, chestnut was not popular as a building material. It seems that chestnut trees were climatically suitable at that time in the Vesuvius area, and that chestnut was used both for food and timber. Thus, chestnuts trees could form the cultural foundation for this area.Secondly we analyzed the landform features and environmental changes. Large-size pots were found in the excavation site called "Area 12" in the Vesuvius area. These pots with grape seeds were used for wine production. In order to produce wines, it was necessary to ensure the water source. We recognized that Mount Somma watershed located at the upper reaches of the excavation sites are extremely high in water recharge capacity and thus nurtured the wine production.Thirdly, landscape conservation and utilization were discussed. Italy has been well-known in its landscape conservation policy focusing on cultural heritage, particularly traditional rural landscapes. From this point of view, it seems to be important to conserve historical vineyards and to re-evaluate the chestnut cultivation in this region. Conservation and rehabilitation of historic rural landscapes will contribute to the promotion of green tourism.It is clarified that it took almost 50 years for the recovery of natural environment since the eruption of the Pinatubo volcano. In Miyake Island, it is found that series of small-scale eruptions around 2000 years ago did not affect serious damage to the vegetation.