GIAHS

Typical Water-land Utilization GIAHS in Low-lying Areas: The Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem Example in China

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  • 1 Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
    2 School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1H2W1, Canada

Received date: 2014-10-27

  Revised date: 2014-11-25

  Online published: 2014-12-18

Supported by

National Natural Science Fund of China (31200376); Chinese Academy of Sciences Visiting Professorship for Senior International Scientists (2013T2Z0011).

Abstract

Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem is a raised field agriculture system with typical water-land utilization. It was identified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) site by FAO in April 2014. Based on a literature review and field investigations, we analyzed the history and development, structure and characteristics, functions and values of the Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem in this research. The system has a long history, rich biodiversity, important ecosystem services, traditional adapted agricultural technologies and a folk culture. Altogether, these features form an attractive landscape created by its special water-land utilization. It also has great importance for the livelihood maintenance of the local people. However, the inheritance and conservation effort of Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem is facing great threats from modern agriculture, urbanization and labor loss. This paper will provide insight into the Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem, and provide scientific support for the conservation and development of this special system. It will also provide a good example for similar areas in China and worldwide.

Cite this article

BAI Yanying, SUN Xueping, TIAN Mi, Anthony M. FULLER . Typical Water-land Utilization GIAHS in Low-lying Areas: The Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem Example in China[J]. Journal of Resources and Ecology, 2014 , 5(4) : 320 -327 . DOI: 10.5814/j.issn.1674-764x.2014.04.006

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