Agricultural heritage systems mushroom in East Asia

Japan is providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America to aid them in submitting applications for GIAHS accreditation, according to Takeuchi.

"It's important to pursue common development. This support aims to expand the reach and influence of agricultural heritage beyond the borders of the three participating nations," Takeuchi says.

To ensure the sustainability of traditional skills associated with agricultural heritage, he proposes measures to increase manufacturing scale and the use of modern techniques, while prioritizing environmental protection, for example, converting homemade cheese workshops into corporations.

"Nowadays, the ERAHS has evolved into an esteemed academic platform, facilitating communication among experts from the three countries. The conference now encompasses a wider range of topics than before," says Yoon Won-keun, co-chairman of ERAHS.

"It's essential for us to summarize our previous achievements and develop new strategies for future growth."

He says that a dynamic conservation approach should strike a balance between conservation, adaptation and socioeconomic development. Sustainable development for agricultural heritage entails simultaneous advancement and protection of these valuable resources.

He highlights that, while preserving agricultural heritage, there is the possibility of decreased productivity and increased costs associated with traditional protection methods. Local farmers may have concerns about these factors and become reluctant to support such initiatives.

"In our pursuit of preserving agricultural heritage, we should also explore methods to increase the incomes of farmers, who can benefit from it. I've learned that China has already implemented many such practices that combine productivity with protection."