The global important agricultural cultural heritage (GIAHS) is conceptually equivalent to the world cultural heritage, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines the world cultural heritage as "a unique land use system and agricultural landscape formed by the long-term co-evolution and dynamic adaptation of rural areas and their environment".
This kind of system and landscape is rich in biodiversity, which can meet the needs of local social, economic and cultural development and is conducive to promoting regional sustainable development. On May 20th, 2022, FAO announced that it had newly recognized three important agricultural cultural heritages in China.
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In many countries, generations of farmers, herders, forest farmers and fishermen have created, developed and maintained some special agricultural systems and landscapes according to different species and their interactions by using unique management practices and technologies suitable for local conditions. Through repeated experiments, they constantly adjust the way of fishing, farming and grazing, which not only protects the environment, but also obtains benefits.
Based on local dynamic knowledge and practical experience, these agricultural systems are original and reflect the coordinated development of human beings and the natural environment. It not only produces a unique aesthetic landscape, but also maintains the agricultural biodiversity with global significance, the self-regulating ecosystem and the cultural heritage with important value. Most importantly, it provides a variety of products and services for human beings, and ensures the safety and quality of life of human beings.