Suzhou as Palimpsest: Unraveling Traditional Ecological Knowledge for Climate Resilience

Activity: SupervisionCompleted SURF Project

Description

This study conceptualizes Suzhou as a palimpsest—a dynamic spatial and temporal construct where layers of history, culture, and environment are continuously inscribed and reinterpreted. Through the lens of "place as palimpsest," the research investigates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Suzhou, examining how generations of human-nature interactions have inscribed adaptive practices and ecological understanding onto the landscape and culture Building on recent scholarship highlighting TEK's role in enhancing self-efficacy and resilience in the face of climate change, this project includes fieldwork, semi-structured interviews, and participatory community mapping. These methods aim to identify, document, and analyze the historical and cultural TEK, with a focus on their potential applications for contemporary climate change adaptation strategies. The anticipated outcomes include a deeper, layered understanding of Suzhou's TEK as a vital resource for resilience, offering practical insights for integrating traditional knowledge into modern sustainability frameworks.
Period1 Jun 202525 Aug 2025
Degree of RecognitionLocal