The Role of the Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in the Construction of China’s National Park System and the Optimisation of the Protected Area System

doi:10.5814/j.issn.1674-764x.2021.04.002

Abstract

Abstract:

Conservation-compatible development of rural communities is an important part of nature conservation objectives. Understanding the role of agriculture, which is often practiced in or bordering the protected areas in rural China, is critical for managing conservation networks considering that limited spatial areas are available for enclosed protected areas. Important Agricultural Heritage Systems stand out for their multi-functionality, and some of their values are compatible with nature conservation. This paper examined the concept, management objectives and resource management characteristics of the Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) by analysing their interactions with national parks in terms of community development. The results reveal that management strategies of dynamic conservation, integrated protection and adaptive management of the IAHS can contribute to those national park management objectives concerning conservation-compatible livelihood. However, the typology of the protected area system, including the traditional agricultural system as a new type, needs further consideration.

Key words: Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS), adaptive management, conservation-compatible livelihood, national park, Protected Area (PA)

HE Siyuan, DING Lubin, MIN Qingwen. The Role of the Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in the Construction of China’s National Park System and the Optimisation of the Protected Area System[J]. Journal of Resources and Ecology, 2021, 12(4): 444-452.

Figures/Tables 4

Fig. 1 Five major elements of IAHS as the core functions and conservation objectives

Fig. 2 Examples of IAHS in or adjacent to a PA. (a) Running Water Fishing Culture System in Qianjiangyuan, (b) Tea plantation in Wuyishan, (c) Spatial relation between the GIAHS sites and the PAs.

Fig. 3 Matching the IAHS concept with permitted activities in TUZ

Fig. 4 Spatial planning of IAHS from the perspective of network conservation along scales

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