Core Insights - The article highlights the ecological agriculture model of freshwater pearl farming in Deqing, Zhejiang, which has historical significance and potential for cultural heritage recognition [1][4] - Deqing has been recognized as one of China's first ecological agriculture pilot counties since 1993, showcasing a long-standing tradition of sustainable farming practices [1][4] Summary by Sections Historical Context - Deqing is known for its ecological agriculture practices, particularly in freshwater pearl farming, dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty when the first artificial pearl cultivation techniques were developed [1][2] - The region's natural environment, characterized by a network of rivers and lakes, is ideal for aquaculture, particularly for pearl production [1] Key Figures and Innovations - The article features Shen Zhirong, referred to as the "modern Ye Jinyang," who has made significant contributions to freshwater pearl farming, including the development of new breeding techniques and disease prevention methods [2] - Traditional mixed farming practices, such as fish and clam co-cultivation, have been employed for centuries, enhancing both water quality and pearl yield [2][3] Recognition and Cultural Significance - The freshwater pearl farming system in Deqing has been officially recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as a "Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System" [4] - The article emphasizes the cultural and ecological wisdom of the Deqing people, highlighting their commitment to sustainable practices and respect for nature [4]

Core Points - The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held a ceremony in Rome, Italy, where six agricultural heritage sites from China were awarded recognition [1] Group 1: Agricultural Heritage Sites - The six awarded agricultural heritage sites in China are located in different regions and possess unique characteristics [4] - The traditional chestnut cultivation system in Huancheng, Hebei, has a history of over 3,000 years and is a composite farming system integrating crops, medicinal materials, and poultry [4] - The white ginger planting system in Tongling, Anhui, has a history of over 2,000 years and is known for its large, thin-skinned, juicy, and fragrant roots due to unique traditional production techniques [6] - The ancient bayberry cultivation system in Xianju, Zhejiang, is a composite agricultural model combining bayberry, tea, chicken, and bees, with a cultivation history of 1,600 years [9] - The ancient pear garden system in Shichuan, Gansu, has developed unique farming practices over generations, including high-altitude operations and eco-friendly pest control methods [11] - The freshwater pearl farming system in Deqing, Zhejiang, is based on the mutualistic relationship between fish and clams, encompassing a rich variety of aquatic biological resources [13] - The Fuding white tea cultural system in Fuding, Fujian, has a history of over 1,400 years and is crucial for the livelihoods of nearly 70% of the local population, featuring unique tea varieties and cultivation techniques [17]

Core Points - China received certification for six agricultural heritage systems from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) during a ceremony on October 31 [1] - The six recognized heritage systems include traditional chestnut cultivation in Hebei, white ginger planting in Anhui, ancient bayberry cultivation in Zhejiang, ancient pear garden system in Gansu, freshwater pearl farming in Zhejiang, and white tea culture in Fujian [1] - China now has a total of 25 important agricultural heritage systems, the highest number in the world [1]

Core Points - China has received recognition for six agricultural heritage systems from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) during a global ceremony, bringing the total number of its important agricultural cultural heritage to 25, the highest in the world [1] Group 1: Recognized Agricultural Heritage Systems - The six recognized agricultural heritage systems include: - Traditional chestnut cultivation system in Hebei Kuancheng [2] - White ginger planting system in Tongling, Anhui [2] - Ancient bayberry complex planting system in Xianju, Zhejiang [2] - Ancient pear garden system in Shichuan, Gansu [2] - Freshwater pearl complex breeding system in Deqing, Zhejiang [2] - White tea culture system in Fuding, Fujian [2]

Core Insights - Shenzhen Shui Bei has evolved into a significant jewelry trading hub, despite lacking natural precious metal resources, with over 9,000 enterprises and more than 60,000 workers in the industry [1][2] - The area has transformed from a processing zone into a comprehensive jewelry industry cluster, capturing 50% of China's wholesale market share for gold and jewelry [2][8] - Shui Bei's success is attributed to its complete supply chain capabilities, integrating raw material sourcing, production, and retail, making it a vital center for various jewelry types, including freshwater and seawater pearls [3][4] Historical Development - The turning point for Shui Bei came in 2003 when the People's Bank of China lifted restrictions on gold purchases, leading to rapid industrial growth [2] - The establishment of the Shui Bei International Jewelry Trading Center in 2004 marked its transition from a trading hub to an industrial cluster [2] - Over the years, Shui Bei has seen a shift from traditional processing to high-value-added activities such as design, brand operation, and quality inspection [8][10] Market Dynamics - Shui Bei serves as a major distribution center for freshwater pearls, integrating high-quality pearls from various regions and providing a complete ecosystem for brands [3][4] - The area has also become a key player in the lab-grown diamond market, with prices significantly lower than natural diamonds, leading to increased market penetration [7] - Predictions indicate that the market penetration of lab-grown diamonds in China will rise from 7% in 2022 to 17% by 2025 [7] Brand Development - Shui Bei has nurtured several well-known jewelry brands, including Zhou Dasheng and Zhou Liufu, which have successfully transitioned to public companies [8][9] - The area has developed a unique "Shui Bei model" that allows many jewelry brands to grow from small operations to significant market players [9][10] - Recent initiatives by the local government aim to support talent development and protect intellectual property in the jewelry sector, further enhancing Shui Bei's reputation as "China's Jewelry Capital" [10]

Core Viewpoint - The event in Dazhou, Sichuan, showcases agricultural achievements and aims to promote the development of the agricultural sector, emphasizing food security and modern agricultural practices [1][3][16]. Agricultural Development - Dazhou has established 5.011 million acres of high-standard farmland, ranking second in Sichuan, and contributes 9.1% of the province's grain output with only 8.2% of the arable land [3]. - The city has created the first modern agricultural machinery equipment park in hilly areas, enhancing agricultural productivity [3]. Rural Improvement - Dazhou has provided over 700 million yuan in agricultural subsidies annually, benefiting more than 800,000 farming households [8]. - The region has renovated 177,000 rural toilets and achieved a 94% coverage rate for rural tap water, with over 27,000 kilometers of rural roads constructed [8]. Specialty Products - Dazhou ranks fourth in the province for crayfish production and first for hairy crabs, which have won national awards [10]. - The area produces 20% of the country's freshwater non-nucleated pearls, showcasing the potential of its aquaculture industry [10]. Modern Fisheries Development - Dazhou is a key area for the billion-yuan aquaculture industry in Sichuan, with over 170,000 acres of farming water and more than 25,000 farming entities [14]. - The local government is promoting high-quality development in modern fisheries through a comprehensive action plan [14]. Future Development Goals - The city aims to enhance grain production, agricultural efficiency, and farmers' income, focusing on brand development and strengthening leading enterprises [16]. - Dazhou is committed to creating a favorable environment for agriculture, encouraging respect and support for farmers [16].

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].

Core Points - The Gansu Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Garden System, Zhejiang Deqing Freshwater Pearl Composite Breeding System, and Fujian Fuding White Tea Culture System have been recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) [15][16] - China now has a total of 25 Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, maintaining the highest number in the world [15][16] - The recognition emphasizes the importance of protecting agricultural cultural heritage as a shared responsibility of humanity [15][16] Gansu Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Garden System - Located in Gansu Province, this system features unique agricultural practices such as "Tianbashi" high-altitude operations and ecological methods like integrated farming and traditional preservation techniques [2][10] - The system reflects the wisdom of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, showcasing sustainable agricultural practices [15][16] Zhejiang Deqing Freshwater Pearl Composite Breeding System - Situated in Zhejiang Province, this system is based on the mutualistic relationship between fish and mussels, utilizing local pearl farming techniques [6][10] - It encompasses a diverse range of aquatic biological resources, promoting ecological balance and sustainability [6][10] Fujian Fuding White Tea Culture System - Located in Fujian Province, this system is characterized by unique tea varieties and traditional tea-making techniques, supported by favorable geographical and climatic conditions [10][11] - The tea industry in Fuding has significant economic value, with a total tea garden area of 319,100 acres and a comprehensive industry output value of approximately 15.52 billion yuan [11][15] Economic and Cultural Value - Agricultural cultural heritage systems not only provide production and ecological functions but also contribute to economic, social, cultural, and technological values [16] - Research indicates that the brand value of agricultural products from these heritage systems can increase by 10% to 30%, with local residents benefiting significantly from protection and utilization efforts [16]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the recognition of three new agricultural heritage systems in China, bringing the total to 25, maintaining the country's leading position globally in this regard [1][2] - The recognized agricultural heritage systems include the Gansu Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Garden System, the Zhejiang Deqing Freshwater Pearl Composite Breeding System, and the Fujian Fuding White Tea Cultural System, all of which have significant historical and cultural value while still being actively utilized in production [1] - The agricultural heritage systems reflect China's rich farming civilization and embody sustainable practices that harmonize human activity with nature, showcasing traditional wisdom and practices that are valuable for global sharing [1][2] Group 2 - Since 2012, China has initiated the discovery of national-level agricultural cultural heritage, resulting in the identification of 188 important agricultural cultural heritage items across seven batches [2] - The Yunnan Honghe Hani Rice Terraces Agricultural Cultural Heritage Area exemplifies the successful integration of traditional agricultural practices with modern tourism and e-commerce, attracting significant visitor numbers and generating substantial economic benefits [2] - The protection and promotion of agricultural cultural heritage face challenges, including insufficient legal coverage, low public participation, and the need for better marketing of unique agricultural products [2][3] Group 3 - Farmers play a crucial role in the protection and transmission of agricultural cultural heritage, and their benefits are essential for the effective preservation and continuation of these practices [3]

Core Points - The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized six new global important agricultural heritage systems, including three from China, bringing the total to 25, maintaining China's leading position globally [1][2] Group 1: New Recognitions - The newly recognized systems include the freshwater pearl farming system in Deqing, Zhejiang, the white tea culture system in Fuding, Fujian, and the ancient pear garden system in Shichuan, Gansu [1][2] - The Deqing freshwater pearl farming system is a historical "fish and clam symbiosis" system that integrates pearl production with rice and silk, contributing to biodiversity, food security, and cultural heritage [1] - The Fuding white tea culture system combines ecological wisdom and craftsmanship, preserving 18 tea tree varieties and over 120 other agricultural species, enhancing ecological resilience and food systems [1][2] Group 2: Agricultural Heritage Significance - The ancient pear garden system in Shichuan integrates fruit tree cultivation, crop farming, and livestock, demonstrating drought resistance and flood prevention while maintaining agricultural biodiversity [2] - This system serves as a model for efficient dryland agriculture, reducing reliance on chemical inputs and supporting local plant and insect species [2] - The FAO emphasizes that these agricultural heritage systems exemplify the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, passed down through generations [2]