Applied plant ecology focuses on many principles and methods of managing, conserving, and restoring landscapes and ecosystems. In the Studio Ghibli 1984 film, Nausicaä of the Valley the story follows Princess Nausicaa as she strives to repair the relationship between humans and the earth alongside her friends. This film tackles multiple applied plant ecology topics that aid in promoting the importance of earth conservation towards younger audiences and their families. The use of film when promoting these topics allows for an easier way to digest these important topics in a more fun and enticing way. By using film to attract a younger audience and their families, it brings optimization to a change the world for the better.
The movie Nausicaä Valley of the Wind takes place in a dystopian future where society is whipped out due to the Seven Days of Fire and the landscape is filled with the skulls of the God Warriors who were created by humans. In this setting, most of the world is unhabitable and is filled with toxic forests and large insects. The story follows Princess Nausicaä who is written about in a prophecy and is the only one brave enough to communicate with the beings. Throughout her journey she finds out that the forest plants are purfying the polluted soil and gains hope that the earth can go back to normal. Nausicaä and her community must create and learn to make technology that will help restore the planet.
Throughout the film, the audience is able to learn about conservation, loss of plant biodiversity, sustainability and habitat fragmentation and loss.
Applied Plant Ecology Winter 2020 