Archives of Peking University News - PKU English - 北京大学

北京大学英语新闻网/Peking University News
He mentioned that human civilization stems from agricultural civilization, which
developed in nature and was embedded in culture. Along with the long Chinese
history, farming dated back to six or seven thousand years ago. There used to be
five agricultural centers in the world, among which the Tigris-Euphrates Drainage
Area, Ancient Greece, Ancient Roman Empire and Maya Civilization withered or
suspended successively. With its unique natural conditions and historical
background, traditional Chinese agriculture sustained. Many successful modes have
thus been preserved, which is a recognized miracle by the whole world. The reason
why China has successfully supported more population with less farming land is that
it has a whole set of agricultural experiences and models, from philosophical theory
to social practice.
During age-long agricultural production, Chinese people have accumulated rich and
practical experiences related to agricultural system and technology, which have
much in common with the modern theory of ecological agriculture. Based on
traditional agricultural modes, a large number of precious heritage have come into
being. For example, the ―fish culture in paddyfield‖ system in Qingtian County,
Zhejiang Province has been recognized as a globally important agricultural heritage
site by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Based on this,
―crab-farming in paddyfield‖ and ―duck-raising in paddyfield‖ systems have emerged
in recent years in China. In addition, the fish species of ―fish culture in paddyfield‖
has developed from carp only to many diversified breeds.
Li Wenhua claimed that, in the course of heritage protection, we could get much
inspiration, which could be used to tackle contemporary problems. Take agriculture
as an example. People nowadays often use fertilizer and pesticide, and then try to
bring pollution under control. Making use of technology to analyze and explain
former experiences will be of great help to the development of modern agriculture,
such as ―mulberry trees around fishpond‖, ―kariz ‖, ―forest-agricultural complex
ecosystem‖, ―ecological food chain system‖ and the like.
It is said that Natural and Cultural Heritage Research founded last year begins with
the conservation of agricultural legacy. It attaches much importance to the protection
of natural legacy and conducts a comprehensive natural and cultural study of the
protection and exploitation of heritage sites. We should probe into the formation law
of natural and cultural heritage, their appraisal theory and approach, the dynamic
changes of heritage sites, and dynamic protection and sustainable development. We
should also undertake the task of popularizing the knowledge of heritage protection,
and promote the development of heritage-related disciplines, thus laying scientific
foundation for the declaration and effective management of heritage sites and
eventually enhancing people‘s awareness of heritage protection.
Adopting the Standpoint of Sustainable Development to Carry on Heritage
Protection
483