2017/7/13, Huzhou, China
Participants from OUIK attended the 4th Meeting of East Asian Research Association for Agricultural Heritage System (ERAHS) held from July 12 to 13 in Huzhou, Huzhou, China.
The ERAHS conference brings together designated regions of world agricultural heritage from China, South Korea, and Japan to exchange knowledge on conservation and utilization, marking its fourth edition this year. This year’s theme was “Promoting the Conservation of Agricultural Systems through Industrial Transformation.” Presentations were made from various regions focusing on improving scientific communication regarding agricultural heritage systems, sharing best practices and case studies among different cultural heritages, and promoting collaboration on agricultural heritage systems among East Asian countries.
Specialist Nagamori from Ishikawa Prefecture presented on the utilization of Noto GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems)
Following keynote speeches by Professor Luo Shiming (South China Agricultural University), Kazuhiko Takeuchi (Senior Fellow, United Nations University), and Professor Mauro Agnoletti (University of Florence), parallel sessions were conducted on topics including: 1) Branding for Regional Economic Development, 2) Motivating the Conservation of Agricultural Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, 3) Sustainable Tourism, and 4) Innovative Mechanisms for Preserving Local Culture.
From OUIK, Researcher Iida presented a poster on “Current Status and Challenges of Biodiversity Education in Noto GIAHS,” while Researcher Yoo presented on “Monitoring and Evaluation of Biodiversity and Its Sustainable Use Using Multi-Stakeholder Governance Methods.” Additionally, Specialist Nagamori from Noto GIAHS presented the initiatives in Session 1.
During field visits, participants explored the “Silkworm Fishpond” (Sōki Gyotō), an area known for its freshwater fish farming, with mulberry trees planted along the dikes of the ponds dating back to the Spring and Autumn period. This region practices a cyclical system combining fish farming with sericulture using the cultivated mulberry leaves.
At the executive meeting held after the conference, it was decided that the 5th East Asia World Agricultural Heritage Conference will take place in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture.
