China's ancient aquaculture traditions have once again captured global attention. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) designated Zhejiang's Deqing Freshwater Pearl Mussel Composite Fishery System as a 2025 Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), marking China's first world-class agricultural heritage recognition in aquaculture.
This 2,500-year-old pearl cultivation system combines mussel farming with mulberry dike maintenance and fish breeding in interconnected ponds. 'The Deqing model demonstrates how traditional practices can address modern challenges like ecological sustainability,' said FAO representative Maria Müller during the announcement ceremony.
With this addition, China now leads the world with 25 GIAHS designations – six concentrated in Zhejiang alone. The recognition comes as global demand for sustainable aquaculture grows, with the pearl system generating $150 million annually for local communities while maintaining water quality standards exceeding national requirements.
Cultural preservation forms another key aspect of the designation. The pearl system has shaped local festivals, culinary traditions, and even inspired Song Dynasty poetry. For investors, the heritage status signals new opportunities in eco-tourism and specialty exports, with Deqing pearls already accounting for 40% of China's freshwater pearl production.
