Flora, life form characteristics, and plan for the promotion of biodiversity in South Korea＇s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, the traditional Gudeuljang irrigated rice terraces in Cheongsando

The objectives of this study were to analyze the biodiversity of the Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces in Cheongsando, South Korea's representative GIAHS(Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System) site, with reference to position and land-use features, and to develop a plan to promote agricultural biodiversity in the region. We confirmed approximately 54,000 m2 of Gudeuljang paddy fields by an on-site survey. Of the Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces confirmed by onsite inspection, our survey showed that approximately 24,000 m2 are currently being used as paddy fields, approximately 15,000 m2 are being used as dry fields, and approximately 14,000 m2 are fallow. In terms of other non-agricultural land use, there was grassland, including graveyards; artificial arboreal land, such as orchards, rivers and wetlands, and man-made facilities, such as roads and residences. We also confirmed that the Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces had higher plant species diversity than conventional terraced rice paddies, and there was a difference in life form characteristics between the two types. Although the superficial topsoil structure is thesame for the Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces(TGIRTs) and conventional terraced rice paddies, it is thought that the differences in the subsurface structure of the TGIRTs contribute greatly to species and habitat diversity. However, the TGIRTs in Cheongsando are facing degeneration, due to damage and reduction in agricultural activity. The main cause is the reduction in the number of farming households due to an aging population in Cheongsando. In order to address this problem, we proposed a management plan, related to fallow paddy fields in South Korea, to initiate voluntary activities in the TGIRTs.

Biodiversity in the Republic of Macedonia

Status and trends of biodiversity components in Republic of Macedonia are presented in this article. The monitoring of biodiversity components is conducted according to the criteria of SEBI 2010 （Streamlining European 2010 Biodiversity Indicators） for establishment of consistency at global, regional, EU and national indicator level. Two core segments of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Republic of Macedonia are presented as well as the draft list of biodiversity indicators. Ecosystems and biotopes （presented with plant communities） are explained from which 30 Corine habitat classes are identified for the Republic of Macedonia. The number of endemic and endangered species from different taxonomic groups of vascular plants, fungi, fauna, and Emerald species with European importance are presented. Agro-biodiversity, structure of agriculture land, autochthonic breeds of domestic animals as well as the network of protected areas in Republic of Macedonia are presented. At the end conclusion remarks are given for future necessary activities at national and international level regarding monitoring and conservation of the biodiversity.

The Significance of Traditional Culture for Agricultural Biodiversity——Experiences from GIAHS

Agricultural biodiversity has a high importance in social-cultural,economic,and environmental aspects,and can help in adapting to and withstanding climate change.Conserving the GIAHS sites and the important components within them can help conserve the agricultural biodiversity and traditional agricultural culture of the whole country.This study considered Ifugao Rice Terraces,Dong’s Rice-Fish-Duck System,and Hani Rice Terraces System as three examples which show that traditional culture can be used to protect agricultural biodiversity,while as a carrier of traditional culture,agricultural biodiversity also conveys and protects the traditional culture of the nation.According to the analyses,through several years of efforts,the status of agricultural biodiversity and traditional culture in them has improved.Then,to further promote agricultural biodiversity conservation and traditional culture protection,several suggestions are made,such as establishing community seed banks;documenting and preserving traditional farming methods,techniques,and tools and developing participatory activities which encourage more farmers to participate in the protection work.

Conservation and Adaptive Management of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

Worldwide specific agricultural systems and landscapes have been created, shaped and maintained by generations of farmers and herders based on diverse natural resources using locally adapted management practices. Building on local knowledge and experience these ingenious agricultural systems reflect the evolution of humankind, the diversity of its knowledge and its profound relationship with nature. These systems have resulted not only in outstanding landscapes maintenance and adaptation of globally significant agricultural biodiversity indigenous knowledge systems and resilient ecosystems, but above all, in the sustained provision of multiple goods and services, food and livelihood security and quality of life. However, many of these systems are facing severe threats from various sources including globalization. In 2002 FAO initiated an international partnership initiative： ＂conservation and adaptive management of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems （GIAHS）＂. The global GIAHS initiative aims to establish the basis for the international recognition, dynamic conservation and sustainable management of such systems, agricultural biodiversity and their associated biodiversity knowledge systems, food and livelihood security, landscapes and cultures.