coastal area where human life and the sea coexist; protected undeveloped coastline near populated areas
A concept in Japanese environmental thought, referring to a coastal zone that is managed and used sustainably by local communities, maintaining biodiversity and productivity while being close to human habitation. Often contrasted with 里山 (satoyama) for terrestrial areas.
Local residents participate in conservation activities for the satoumi coastal area.
This bay is known as a rich satoumi, where human life and the sea coexist.
Compound of 里 (sato, 'village' or 'human settlement') and 海 (umi, 'sea'). The term was coined in the late 20th century as an extension of the satoyama concept to marine environments.