Status, Potentials and Development Strategies of Agricultural Heritage Systems in Zhejiang Province

Zhejiang province is one of China's smallest provinces in terms of land area, but one of the most active economically. It was also the first to conserve agricultural heritage systems and achieve great results in this area. An analysis and evaluation of the status and problems of agricultural heritage systems in Zhejiang province can serve as a useful example for other places to develop agricultural heritage systems protection. Based on nearly a decade of practice in conserving agricultural heritage systems in Zhejiang province, this thesis analyzes the significance, status and problems, evaluates the potential in terms of traditional agricultural products, special cash trees and fruit trees, tea cultures, marine resource utilization, water-land resources use and eco-agricultural models, and gives targeted development advice. Studies have shown that heritage conservation nurtures traditional agriculture and promotes its sustainable development, fosters the passing on of farming culture and cultural prosperity in rural areas, helps to develop the value of agricultural heritage systems and increase farmers' income, has value in protecting the ecological environment of rural areas and promoting the construction of the countryside. Meanwhile, the development potential of agricultural heritage systems in Zhejiang province is great because of the excellent quality of traditional agricultural products, a variety of special cash trees and fruit trees, an extensive tea culture, unique utilization of maritime resources, rich experience in water-land resources utilization, and various forms of eco-agriculture. This research provides certain references to help Zhejiang province to protect and pass on its agricultural heritage systems, to promote agricultural sustainability and to expand agricultural functions.