「水のラビリンス」で指摘したかつて新潟市の財産であった沼、潟の実際の変遷に着目している。かつて237haを誇った鎧潟は1968年に全面干拓され、圃場へと変わった。地域の貴重なタンパク源であった豊穣な漁場は完全に消滅した。

潟底から未だに土師器、須恵器をはじめ穀物、木の実、獣の骨などが出土しており、古代からの水部の豊かな生活が見てとれる。往時の痕跡をわずかにとどめている地形、古老の記憶・証言、古い写真などから往時の水際を推定。黄色いポール1500本を立て、かつての潟を再現している。

新潟市民の要望もあり、潟辺のツアーを実施、往時の鎧潟を懐かしむ多くの市民が参加した。ミレニウム世代にとっても貴重な自前の「SDGs新潟」だったのではないか。

Yoroigata Lagoon was here, reclaimed in late 1960s, 2009

The project “Water Labyrinth” focuses on the actual historical changes of marshes and lagoons that were once assets of Niigata City. The once expansive Yoroi Lagoon, which covered 237 hectares, was completely reclaimed in 1968 and transformed into farmland. This area, once a fertile fishing ground and a valuable source of protein for the region, has completely disappeared.

Artifacts such as Jomon and Sue ware pottery, grains, nuts, and animal bones continue to be unearthed from the lagoon bed, revealing the rich aquatic life that has existed since ancient times. The current landscape barely retains traces of its past, but through the memories and testimonies of elders and old photographs, the water’s edge of old is estimated. Approximately 1,500 yellow poles have been installed to recreate the former lagoon.

Responding to the desires of the citizens of Niigata, tours along the lagoon have been conducted, with many residents participating to reminisce about the Yoroi Lagoon of old. It may well have been a precious instance of “SDGs Niigata” for the millennial generation.