Abstract:

Since 2002, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released the ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems’ (GIAHS) project, Chinese scholars have been exploring a suitable way for the protection and development of China’s agricultural heritage systems. This article summarized academic papers that scholars published on the periodical full-text database of CNKI between 2006 and 2019, in combination with some field trips, and expounded the three values of the sustainable development of China’s agricultural heritage systems, including economic value, ecological value and social value. In addition, the essay analyzed the problems in the process of the sustainable development of China’s agricultural heritage systems, such as regression of traditional production models, degradation of ecosystems, weak awareness of cultural heritage, and inadequate application materials. Finally, several strategies for the sustainable development were introduced, for example innovative production models, stimulation of cultural creativity and improvement of related documents. Although the protection of China’s agricultural heritage systems is important, exploring its sustainable development path is the foundation for its continued survival. This path requires not only academic research by scholars but also the financial support from the government and practitioners, and needs the joint efforts of all walks of life.

Key words: Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in China, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development Strategies, Development Values, Development Issues