Core Insights - The first Western Pearl Industry Development Conference and Jewelry Expo opened in Kaijiang, Sichuan, showcasing a comprehensive display and sales of jewelry products, with participation from 200 jewelers and various themed exhibition areas [5][6] - The event serves as a high-level dialogue platform for industry experts and entrepreneurs to discuss trends, market analysis, and brand building in the pearl industry [6] - Kaijiang aims to establish itself as a central hub for pearl farming in Western China, creating a new "tripod" structure alongside Zhejiang and Guangdong [5][9] Industry Overview - The Western Pearl Industry Development Conference is a significant event for the pearl industry, featuring a full range of jewelry products and facilitating B2B negotiations among manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers [5][6] - The newly opened China Western Pearl Industry Park is the first comprehensive pearl industry park in the western region, covering 85 acres with a construction area of 36,000 square meters, including various specialized zones for different types of jewelry [6][8] Development Strategy - The local government has implemented policies to support the pearl industry, focusing on expanding farming, park operations, brand promotion, and talent recruitment [7][8] - The park is managed by Kaijiang Minsheng Fishery Development Co., Ltd., which collaborates with over 30 well-known pearl enterprises to promote a cluster development model [8][9] Production Capacity - Kaijiang has established itself as the leading region in Western China for freshwater non-nucleated pearl farming, with an annual production of 30.8 tons, of which 6% are jewelry-grade pearls [9][10] - The area benefits from favorable climatic and geographical conditions, with a total of 17,000 acres dedicated to pearl farming, supported by a robust ecosystem for sustainable aquaculture [10][11] Future Prospects - The local government plans to expand pearl farming to over 20,000 acres in the next two years, aiming to create a total farming area of 30,000 acres across the Dazhou region [11] - The integration of agriculture, processing, sales, and cultural tourism is a key focus, with initiatives to develop various business models, including live-streaming and pearl-themed tourism experiences [11][12] Talent and Technology Development - Kaijiang has partnered with several universities to establish a Pearl Industry Academy, enhancing talent development in the sector [12] - A strategic alliance has been formed with industry associations and universities to innovate pearl farming technologies, improving quality and value [12][13] Economic Impact - The conference and the establishment of the pearl industry park are expected to drive economic growth, with ambitions to create a billion-dollar jewelry industry cluster in the region [13]

Core Viewpoint - The Deqing freshwater pearl farming system in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, has been recognized as a globally significant agricultural cultural heritage by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, highlighting the integration of traditional ecological wisdom and modern practices in pearl cultivation [1]. Group 1: Ecological and Economic Benefits - The Deqing freshwater pearl system employs a mixed farming approach of fish and clams, creating a natural ecological cycle that improves water quality and maintains biodiversity [1]. - The system has led to significant improvements in pearl quality, with traditional farming methods enhancing the survival rate of clams and the overall yield of pearls [2]. - The economic benefits are notable, with 80% of the pearls produced being used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, while only 5% qualify as jewelry-grade pearls, showcasing a dual focus on ecological and economic gains [2]. Group 2: Industry Development and Innovation - The local pearl industry is evolving towards a full industrial chain model, integrating processing, research, and cultural tourism, which includes the establishment of pearl brands and the development of pearl-based products [3]. - The annual output of pearl deep processing in Deqing is nearly 100 tons, accounting for about 10% of the national total, with the combined annual output value of pearl farming and processing exceeding 7 billion yuan, creating employment for nearly 20,000 people [3].