UNESCO-Listed Rice-Fish-Duck Ecosystem Benefits SW China’s Guizhou

In Congjiang County, located in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, a unique and ancient agricultural practice thrives, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of rice, fish, and ducks. This traditional system has been preserved for thousands of years and has become an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage.

Agricultural Heritage

The rice-fish-duck ecosystem was recognized as a pilot project for the protection of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) in 2011, becoming one of the first significant agricultural cultural heritages in China in 2013. This system allows farmers to grow rice while simultaneously raising fish and ducks in the same paddies, exemplifying sustainable farming practices.

Seasonal Activities

With the onset of the traditional solar term Grain Rain (Guyu), agricultural activities ramp up. Farmers plant rice seedlings and introduce fish fry into the fields. As the fish grow, newly-hatched ducklings are added. This integrated approach benefits all three species: the rice paddies provide natural food for fish and ducks, while the fish and ducks help control pests and weeds, minimizing the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, their waste serves as organic fertilizer, enhancing soil health.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Congjiang County has leveraged its rice-fish-duck ecosystem not only to preserve agricultural heritage but also to support local economic development and poverty alleviation. By showcasing this ancient wisdom during the 15th conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022, the region highlighted its commitment to biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

In 2023, the rice-fish-duck ecosystem was acknowledged for its excellence in the Global Solicitation on Best Poverty Reduction Practices, further affirming its value.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Congjiang is also known for Kam Rice, a unique variety cultivated by the local Dong people for centuries. With ethnic groups comprising 90% of its population, the county boasts a vibrant cultural tapestry and is celebrated as a national ecological cultural gene park.

Visitors to the mountainous villages can witness traditional residences, drum towers, and ancient barns amid picturesque landscapes, especially during the autumn harvest when golden rice hangs in abundance.

In the scenic Congjiang County of Guizhou Province, southwest China, a remarkable agricultural tradition thrives, showcasing a unique rice-fish-duck ecosystem that has garnered international recognition.

A Unique Agricultural Heritage

This ecosystem, which combines the cultivation of rice with the farming of fish and ducks, has been practiced for thousands of years. Recognized as a pilot project under the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) in 2011, it was officially listed as a significant agricultural cultural heritage in China in 2013. This ancient practice exemplifies sustainable farming and biodiversity conservation.

Sustainable Farming Practices

As the traditional solar term of Grain Rain (Guyu) begins, farmers actively engage in agricultural activities. They plant rice seedlings while introducing fish fry into the fields. Once the fish grow, ducklings are added. This method promotes a natural ecosystem where:

• Rice fields provide food for fish and ducks.
• Fish and ducks help control pests and weeds, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
• The waste from fish and ducks acts as organic fertilizer, enriching the soil.

This symbiotic relationship allows farmers to harvest rice, fish, and ducks simultaneously, maximizing productivity and minimizing environmental impact.

Economic and Social Impact

The rice-fish-duck ecosystem not only preserves agricultural heritage but also plays a vital role in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. By utilizing these traditional methods, local communities have improved their livelihoods and fostered sustainable development.

During the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022, the Congjiang ecosystem showcased the ancestral wisdom of local farmers in biodiversity conservation. In 2023, it was recognized for its excellence in poverty reduction practices globally.

Cultural Richness

Congjiang County is home to a diverse population, with ethnic groups comprising 90% of its residents. This cultural richness is reflected in its traditional practices, such as the cultivation of Kam Rice, which has been grown by the local Dong people for generations. The county is celebrated as a national ecological cultural gene park, preserving its unique heritage.

Visitors to Congjiang can enjoy picturesque landscapes dotted with traditional residences, drum towers, and ancient barns. During harvest season, the sight of golden rice fields creates a stunning backdrop, highlighting the beauty of this sustainable agricultural landscape.

Conclusion

The rice-fish-duck ecosystem in Congjiang County is a testament to the successful integration of traditional farming practices with modern sustainability principles. It serves as a model for preserving cultural heritage while promoting economic development and environmental conservation, demonstrating the enduring wisdom of local communities in managing their resources.