Sustainable tourism development of globally important agricultural heritage sites:a case study of "traditional rice-fish agriculture system"

Traditional rice-fish agricultural heritage site in Qingtian County, China, one of the pilot sites of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems （GIAHS）, is of great value in tourism development. This paper aims to explore how to realize sustainable tourism development in agricultural heritage site through identifying current problems in GIAHS site. and making constructive recommendations for coupled development of heritage preservation and economic development. Field survey was carried out and data was collected through field questionnaire surveys of tourists and residents in Longxian Village of Qingtian County, as well as interviews of residents with semi. structured questionnaires for their perceptions and attitudes to tourism development. The following results are got： （1） the tourism industry is still at its early state of Non, tale tourism （enjoy and experience authentic country life- style）, under very limited administrative management; （2） what attracts visitors most are delicious.fish and beautiful natural environment, but not agricultural heritage itself; （3） most tourists eome from adjacent areas and stay. only half day, many of whom pay their visits twice or more; （4） a few local residents take part in the activities of tourism industry, but in very limited manners even if they do. Current patterns of tourism development are casting negative impacts on agricultural heritage. Conservatton of agricultural heritage should be put in the first place for sustainable tourism development.Agricultural heritage, as a key attraction, should be taken as the focus for tourism development. The important thing is to change the present Nongjiale tourism into real heritage tourism, to establish a cooperative mechanism among different stakeholders. and to increase local residents＇ income through engaging in tourism industry.

Agricultural Heritage System应是“农业遗产系统”而不是“农业文化遗产”

联合国粮农组织(UNFAO)的“Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System”(全球重要农业遗产系统,简称GIAHS)项目的核心是“Agricultural Heritage System”(农业遗产系统)。中国政府主管部门与主要学术支持机构却将它译为“农业文化遗产”。这一错译的错误有三:(1)“Agricultural Heritage System”从字面上不可能译为“农业文化遗产”;(2)由世界遗产委员会的文化遗产顾问机构“国际古迹遗产保护理事会”等制定的文化遗产类型中,只有“农业遗产”而无“农业文化遗产”;(3)最重要的是,将“农业遗产系统”改为“农业文化遗产”完全抹杀了GIAHS的特点与特殊保护意义。

Conserving Agricultural Heritage Systems through Tourism: Exploration of Two Mountainous Communities in China

Community plays an important role in the preservation of agricultural heritage system （AHS）. Recently, many AHS have been valorized as interesting resources for rural tourism. The expectations are that tourism development （TD） can be supportive for the conservation of AHS while creating benefits for local communities. In this study, two mountainous pilot villages （Longxian and Xiaohuang） in a global conservation project for traditional agricutural systems - Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems （GIAHS） were selected to identify the relationship between AHS conservation and TD. The study undertook in-depth interviews, and questionnaires of village residents and informal discussions with local villagers. A t-test and a linear regression model were implemented to explore the comparative dimensions of the two communities with different geographical location, economic situation, and stage of TD. The research found some similarities and differences in the two mountainous communities during AHS conservation and TD. Firstly, AHS are preservaed well in both villages unconsiously, while the residents in Xiaohuang value more highly the heritage elements than the respondents in Longxian, and the villagers in Xiaohuang are more worried about their heritage system; Secondly, both villages expect lots of benefits from TD and they clearly perceive more positive than negative impact from tourism and thus approve TD, while the hugedifferent perception on transportation and accessibility in the two villages reflects the bottleneck of TD in Xiaohuang village. At the same time, the respondents from Xiaohuang perceive more positive and fewer negative impact from tourism than the respondents from Longxian. Thirdly, the respondents in the two villages all show positive attitudes towards participation in tourism mostly motivated by the high income expectation. The main factors to determine the community perception in two villages were also analyzed based on the data process. A location-based coneeputal framework of AHS conservation in partnership with TD at community scale is proposed at the end of the paper. The dynamics of tourism development, that could enhance a better understanding of the complex relationship between conservation objectives and tourism development are discussed.

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.

Agricultural Heritage Systems Tourism： definition,characteristics and development framework

Architectural heritage comprises one o the most important elements of mountain settlements in Greece. It holds high cultural value, represents the tangible continuation of the past and forms the unique character and identity of each mountain region. Yet, controversy regarding funding for its preservation often arises. In this paper, we used two Contingent Valuation surveys to estimate the socia benefit deriving from protecting the traditiona architecture in the mountainous village of Sirako and through it, to examine perceptions and attitudes o local residents and visitors. Research findings revealed a strong social will in favor of the good＇s protection followed by high percentages of positive willingness to pay（WTP）. However, WTP is significantly higher among residents. Cultura heritage value, of the good, appears to prevail, along with the environmental one. However, both residents and visitors pointed out that local heritage, if wellpreserved, will boost tourism development. Residents appeared to better recognize the true level o architectural decay, expressed higher apprehension for its protection and were willing to pay higher amount of money. Tourists, on the other side expressed high satisfaction for their visit, appreciated the beauty and serenity emerging from local built and natural environment and spent several days visiting the surrounding area. The longer they stayed and gotfamiliar with the village, the more willing they were to contribute to local heritage＇s protection. Percentages reflecting indifference for protecting architecture were extremely low. Yet, they were higher among tourists. Traditional architecture is considered as public good; an opinion resulting in an important percentage of visitors stating that national government should provide the necessary funding. In addition, the architecture appears to hold a high level of topicality. Those descending from Sirako or emotionally connected to it, of both social groups,turned out to be more concerned about the good and with a stronger sense of responsibility for it. Usevalue of the good holds high economic value, as well,while higher percentages of zero WTP appeared among non-users. Research findings revealed social attitudes and perceptions on what constitutes architectural heritage, in its cultural and economic frame. If taken under consideration, they may form useful drivers for local, heritage-based, sustainable

Regional landscape transformation and sustainability of the rural homegarden agroforestry system in the Chengdu Plain,China

Traditional rural homegarden agroforestry system in the Chengdu Plain of China,called“Linpan”in Chinese,integrates the ecological functions of the landscape with human production activities.Studying the driving mechanisms of rural landscape changes in the Chengdu Plain is of great significance from stakeholders’perspective.Taking the Pidu Linpan Farming System(PLFS)in the suburban area of Chengdu(designated as one of China-Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in 2020)as a case,this study combined remote sensing image analysis,oral history interviews,and focus group interviews to elucidate the driving forces of landscape changes in the PLFS.The results show that tourism development,traffic accessibility,economic demand,and agricultural heritage protection measure are the main driving forces promoting the stability and maintenance of the traditional homegardens.In contrast,population ageing,land circulation,centralized residence,climate change,and living and recreational need are the forces leading to adverse changes in the traditional homegardens.In addition,these driving forces have led to the gradual abandonment of traditional agricultural activities and critical issues related to rural landscape planning and management.The current research indicates that infrastructure construction and increased traditional agricultural income are considered as the best practices of local stakeholders,promoting the development of the protected homegardens of heritage sites and tourist destinations.Finally,we put forward some suggestions to improve and maintain the traditional rural landscape:(1)establishing a benefit-sharing mechanism;(2)establishing a training system with traditional technology and culture;(3)strengthening infrastructure construction;(4)promoting the development of the agricultural industry;(5)improving the cultural quality of farmers;and(6)establishing a management system with legal effects.This research can provide a basis for the formulation of rural landscape planning and the orderly and healthy development of agricultural heritage in Chengdu Plain.

Research on the Coupling between Agricultural Heritage and Tourism Industry: A Case Study of Jasmine and Tea Culture in Fuzhou

The integration of agricultural heritage and tourism industry contributes significantly to regional heritage protection,rural revitalization,and cultural inheritance.Based on the coupling coordination degree model,a quantitative research was conducted to study the integration of agricultural heritage in terms of the jasmine and tea culture system in Fuzhou with the local tourism industry.The results showed that both the development of Fuzhou's jasmine and tourism industries have advanced significantly and are currently leading in the country.However,they are not developing at the same pace.The results also showed that the coordination degree between Fuzhou5s jasmine and tourism industries have increased in recent years,with deepened mutual effects and improved coordination.Moreover,the coupling coordination degree has been rising over the past 13 years,with the coupling coordination level transforming from''extreme disorder''to"quality coordination,demonstrating a slow integration progress of Fuzhou's jasmine with the tourism industry at the early stage,but a sound development momentum at the later stage.

Characteristics and Value of Traditional Lotus Culture System in Guangchang,Jiangxi Province

Jiangxi Guangchang traditional lotus culture system was selected into the fourth batch of China's important agricultural cultural heritage in 2017.The system consists of three parts:lotus,lotus cultivation techniques and lotus culture.It has notable characteristics of ancient origin,regional distribution,system complexity,biodiversity,advanced technology and extensive influence,and has ten kinds of value,i.e.,edible value,medical value,economic value,social value,ecological value,cultural value,tourism value,popular science value,scientific research value and educational value.

Protection and Development of Traditional Villages Rich in Agricultural Cultural Heritage Resources:A Case Study of Nihegou Village in Jiaxian County

Firstly,the composition and value of heritage in Nihegou Village having the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(GIAHS) were analyzed,and then dilemmas,challenges and opportunities for the protection and development of the village were studied.Finally,ways of sustainable development of the vil age were discussed.

Problems and Countermeasures for the Protection of Agricultural Heritage in China

With the rapid development of modern agriculture,China has increasingly attached importance to the protection and development of agricultural cultural heritage,but it has encountered severe challenges in reality.By analyzing the connotation and current situation of agricultural cultural heritage,to address the issues faced by China,such as imbalanced theoretical and practical development,difficulty in grasping the boundaries of protection and development,inadequate research and management mechanisms,large funding gaps,lack of talent,and insufficient international influence,targeted solutions are proposed based on relevant information and literature.This aims to strengthen the protection,activation,and inheritance of agricultural cultural heritage.

Sustainable Development of Wannian Rice Cultivation Culture System

Based on the research on the relevant background and significance of the sustainable development of agricultural cultural heritage,taking Wannian rice cultivation culture system as an example and its natural environment,traditional agricultural production activities,unique cultural patterns,socio-economic development and protection,and protection and development approach as the basis for evaluation,an evaluation index system for the sustainable development of Wannian rice cultivation culture system was constructed.Each index was quantified and standardized,and their weight was determined through the analytic hierarchy process to obtain the comprehensive evaluation value of the sustainable development of Wannian rice cultivation culture system.The evaluation value was analyzed to propose the main issues in the sustainable development of Wannian rice cultivation culture.

Protection and development of agricultural heritage from the perspective of stakeholders

Based on the stakeholder theory,field interviews and surveys were carried out among 332 stakeholders of Shaoxing ancient Torreya grandis groups,including local government,tourists,tourism enterprises,local residents and heritage inheritors.This paper aims to analyze the main demands of various stakeholders,and the cognitive and interest demands,by means of SPSS23,in the process of agricultural cultural heritage protection and tourism development.It is believed that the local resources endowment is favorable,but the tourism development and the protection of agricultural cultural heritage are in a state of separation,or even opposition.Therefore,the corresponding development countermeasures should be put forward from the common interest appeal of the five core interest groups.

Challenges and Countermeasures for the Sustainable Development of Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in China

In 2012 the Ministry of Agriculture of China launched a project exploring Nationaly Important Agricultural Heritage Systems （China-NIAHS）. Through two rounds of applications and selection in 2012 and 2013, 39 traditional agricultural systems were selected and designated as China-NIAHS, including 19 forestry systems, 14 planting systems, four agricultural complex systems and two other systems. From a system origin perspective there were 24 agricultural systems, some dating back 1000 years. Twenty heritage systems are located in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities. Agricultural heritage systems face general challenges, such as ecosystem degradation and destruction, loss and abandonment of traditional agricultural technologies and landscapes, lagging agriculture scale and industrialization, and limited farmer beneift-sharing and incentives. Compared to other types of heritage, the conservation and development of agricultural heritage systems is more complex and dififcult. In order to achieve sustainable development of agricultural heritage systems, the government should play a leading role and improve ifnancial support functions. Local people should also explore market-oriented approaches and adaptive management methods on protection and development of NIAHS. Multi-participation and beneift-sharing mechanisms should be established and basic research needs to be strengthened.

Status,Potentials and Development Strategies of Agricultural Heritage Systems in Zhejiang Province

Zhejiang province is one of China＇s smallest provinces in terms of land area,but one of the most active economically.It was also the first to conserve agricultural heritage systems and achieve great results in this area.An analysis and evaluation of the status and problems of agricultural heritage systems in Zhejiang province can serve as a useful example for other places to develop agricultural heritage systems protection.Based on nearly a decade of practice in conserving agricultural heritage systems in Zhejiang province,this thesis analyzes the significance,status and problems,evaluates the potential in terms of traditional agricultural products,special cash trees and fruit trees,tea cultures,marine resource utilization,water-land resources use and eco-agricultural models,and gives targeted development advice.Studies have shown that heritage conservation nurtures traditional agriculture and promotes its sustainable development,fosters the passing on of farming culture and cultural prosperity in rural areas,helps to develop the value of agricultural heritage systems and increase farmers＇ income,has value in protecting the ecological environment of rural areas and promoting the construction of the countryside.Meanwhile,the development potential of agricultural heritage systems in Zhejiang province is great because of the excellent quality of traditional agricultural products,a variety of special cash trees and fruit trees,an extensive tea culture,unique utilization of maritime resources,rich experience in water-land resources utilization,and various forms of eco-agriculture.This research provides certain references to help Zhejiang province to protect and pass on its agricultural heritage systems,to promote agricultural sustainability and to expand agricultural functions.

Agricultural Heritage Systems:A Bridge between Urban and Rural Development

In the early 1990 s,China stepped into the stage of rapid urbanization with a flourishing economy and new technological development.Surplus labor from rural areas flooded into cities and became the main force of urban development.However some severe threats to human survival emerged from urbanization,such as overextensive urban development,excessive resource consumption,ecological degradation,food security and safety risks and social crises.It has become an imperative to balance urban and rural development to achieve greater harmony between nature and society.This paper firstly tried to focus on public dietary change,agricultural industry development,institutional guarantee,ecological restoration,as well as cultural tourism in urban and peri-urban agricultural heritage sites.Then,it established a development model,balanced the urbanization and urban-supported agriculture.This paper proposed ＂Agricultural heritage systems＂ as an entry point for balancing the development of urban areas and rural areas.Agricultural heritage systems can inherit local traditional culture,keep the green and organic agriculture cultivation systems,exploit the distinct landscape tourism,and the like for diversified development;In addition,agricultural heritage systems can take full advantage of abundant funds,firm the institutional guarantee and advanced technologies from the nearby urban complex for regurgitation-feeding of rural enterprises.With the help of these strategies,we can achieve the harmony of ＂Ecological Urban＂ and ＂Garden Countryside＂.

Discussion about Tourism Development of Agricultural Cultural Heritage in Xiajin County of Shandong Province

[Objectives]To discuss the protection and utilization of agricultural cultural heritage in Xiajin County in the context of deep integration of culture and tourism.With the advancement of the process of revitalizing villages through culture and tourism,agricultural cultural heritage has gradually attracted wide attention from all walks of life.This paper is intended to provide new ideas and strategies for the development of local cultural tourism through in-depth analysis of agricultural cultural heritage resources in Xiajin County.[Methods]Using the method of literature research,this paper systematically sorted out the historical background,current situation and value of agricultural cultural heritage in Xiajin County.Besides,the agricultural cultural heritage resources in Xiajin County were comprehensively evaluated using the 3-3-6 evaluation method.On this basis,combined with the theory of industrial convergence and sustainable development,it came up with some specific suggestions on the tourism development of agricultural cultural heritage in Xiajin County.[Results]Through the in-depth evaluation of agricultural cultural heritage resources in Xiajin County,it is found that it has rich historical and cultural heritage and unique tourism value.However,there are still some problems in protection and utilization.In view of the problems,it recommended to attach importance to the inheritance of Xiajin agricultural cultural heritage,develop characteristic heritage tourism and improve relevant supporting facilities.[Conclusions]Deeply excavating the essence of agricultural cultural heritage in Xiajin County and organically combining it with modern tourism is an important way to realize the sustainable development of local cultural tourism.The recommendations are expected to provide reference for the development of agricultural heritage tourism in Xiajin County and other regions,and help to promote the deep integration of culture and tourism,and promote rural revitalization and cultural inheritance.

Conceptual Framework for Economic Evaluation of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS): Case of Rice-Fish Co-Culture in China

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems （GIAHS） initiative was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization （FAO） of the United Nations in 2002 with the aim of establishing the basis for the global recognition,dynamic conservation and adaptive management of outstanding traditional agricultural systems and their associated landscapes,biodiversity,knowledge systems and cultures.There is anecdotal evidence that designated GIAHS are economically better than non-GIAHS sites.However,there have not been done an economic analysis to prove this.Nor are any sophisticated economic performance criteria for GIAHS in place for a continuously monitoring of the functioning.Therefore,the main objective of this study is to conduct an economic valuation for a GIAHS system versus a similar non designated GIAHS system.For this,a Cost-Benefit Analysis （CBA） is chosen.The major constraint is the data availability.Therefore,a framework for economic analysis shall be developed with the intention to provide directions,assumptions,and data requirement to carry out an economic analysis and so give guidance on future inclusion of economic valuations of GIAHS.Theconceptual framework for economic assessment will use the Rice-Fish pilot site in China as a case study.The example calculations on the rice-fish co-culture （RFC） have to be taken cautiously due to data availability on different activities （tourism,marketed products on local and international markets） as well as comparison to similar systems.

Responding to common questions on the conservation of agricultural heritage systems in China

Although the urgency of their conservation has been recognized, Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(GIAHS) designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) since 2002 and China Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(ChinaNIAHS) certified by the Ministry of Agriculture(MOA) of China since 2012 are faced with questions as to why to conserve them, what is to be conserved, who should conserve them, and how? This paper attempts to clarify and respond to such questions focusing on the conservation of agricultural heritage systems in China based on a review of both theoretical and practical progress. Agricultural heritage systems exhibit a multitude of values for sustainable and equitable development and therefore should be conserved for both present and future generations. Unlike most conventional heritages, the conservation of agricultural heritage systems is a complex, systematic "engineering" in which both physical and biological components and associated socio-cultural processes should be conserved in a dynamic way. Farmers and heritage sites must benefit from the continuance of traditional agricultural production under the premise of ecological functions being sustained and traditional culture being inherited. For a more effective conservation, a multi- stakeholder process should be established involving governments at different levels, multi-disciplinary scientists, communities and farmers, and business enterprises as well as social organizations. As has been demonstrated, the conservation of agricultural heritage systems aims to promote the regional sustainable development, to improve the livelihood, food security and well-being of farm people, and to provide references for the development of modern agriculture in China.

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.

Ecological Benefit Evaluation of Agricultural Heritage System Conservation——A Case Study of the Qingtian Rice-Fish Culture System

In order to better understand the developmental conditions and trends of the biodiversity at agricultural heritage sites,the structure and function of the ecosystem and ecological environment in Qingtian Rice-Fish Culture System is examined in the decade since the implementation of the GIAHS project.Through the collection of historical data and sample-plot survey,this study collates the data from 2005 to 2013 related to the heritage site to evaluate the ecological benefit of the Agricultural Heritage System conservation.The results show that:(1)Since the implementation of heritage conservation,the variety of traditional rice grown at the heritage sites basically remains stable,the varieties of other crops basically remain unchanged and the varieties of fruit trees and medicinal plants have developed at faster rates.As the ecological environment at the heritage sites gradually improved,the species and richness of the biodiversity in the ecosystem have increased,especially the increasing growth of egrets and boars.(2)From 2005 to 2013 in the Fangshan Town of Qingtian County,the ecosystem areas identified as river,forest,urban and bare land have increased.The increased area of the urban ecosystem is the largest one of them,which is up to 20.30 ha;while the area of the forest ecosystem has increased to 7.29 ha.The areas of wetland,reservoir,farmland and grassland have been reduced,and the area of grassland ecosystem has been reduced the most with a reduction of 28.87 ha.From the changes in the values of the ecosystem services of different ecosystem types,the values of forest ecosystem services have achieved the most growth,reaching up to 92000 yuan yr-1 and the growth of the river and bare land ecosystem service values are not obvious.(3)Over nearly a decade,the soil nutrients and the water quality of rice fields at the heritage site have not obviously changed and the plant diseases and insect pests in the rice fields have not been aggravated.The monitoring indexes are far better than the standard values.With the great support of the local government,the production and living conditions and the living environments of farmers in the villages of the heritage sites have been greatly improved through road reconstruction,water improvement,toilet enhancements and the greening,brightness and beautification of the villages.