On September 18 to 20, 2025, the 9th East Asian Agricultural Heritage Society (ERAHS) conference took place on Jeju Island in South Korea. Approximately 250 people from Japan, China and South Korea participated. Jeju Island, the venue, possesses a rich agricultural, forestry, and fishing culture, including the globally renowned “Haenyeo (female divers) culture.” The discussions at this meeting focused on the theme of “Sustainable Conservation of IAHS (Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) and Restoration of Community”.
Established in 2013, ERAHS has developed into an annual gathering where stakeholders from IAHS regions from Japan, China, and South Korea share knowledge and strengthen connections. This meeting featured keynote speeches by representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and various governments, as well as presentation sessions by researchers and local government officials. The session covered various topics, including ecosystem services, the branding of agricultural products and processed goods from IAHS regions, policy comparisons, sustainable agricultural heritage tourism, the participation of younger generations and preserving fishing heritage systems.
United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (UNU-IAS OUIK) presented its efforts to contribute to the recovery and rebuilding after the Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rain disasters at a poster session. Participants expressed interest in GIAHS’s role in disaster-affected areas and building resilience. Also, at the meeting of the governments of Japan, China, and South Korea, the following topics were discussed: monitoring methods for agricultural heritage systems, exchanges of young professionals, and the promotion of comparative research. It was confirmed that the ERAHS serves as an essential platform for intergovernmental cooperation.
After the meeting, participants toured the Haenyeo culture in Jeju, learning about the connection between the local culture and the sustainable use of marine resources.
This meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of passing on agricultural heritage systems preservation and development to the next generation. It also demonstrated the potential for new international cooperation, including disaster recovery.
