Value of Important Agricultural Heritage Systems to the development of rural industries

Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) that have been established and maintained by farmers and herders for thousands of years are unique and of considerable value to the development of rural industries due to their functions in maintaining agrobiodiversity and cultural diversity; enhancing ecosystem resilience; providing economic, cultural, and ecological services to local population. Firstly, IAHS are the foundation for the development of rural industries. They are rich in biology, technology, and culture. An in-depth understanding of the roles of IAHS in rural industries not only is the foundation of rural industries development, but also contributes to promoting their sustainability. The specific agricultural system and cultural landscape created and maintained by farmers and herders has been an important role in improving internal power of the countryside. The agricultural systems, cultural landscapes of IAHS should be highly valued and effectively protected to ensure IAHS become important part of local farmer's lives, and the foundation for rural industrial development. Secondly, making full use of IAHS is a basic approach for the development of rural industries. The protection and utilization of traditional varieties, technology and knowledge can improve the livelihoods of rural people and economic benefits of biodiversity; while the transmission and protection of IAHS may attract new investments, technologies, human resources for the development of agriculture. The combination of IAHS and modern science and technology through applying modern methods, techniques and means in IAHS may reinforce the IAHS effectiveness in rural industries development. It is also important to effectively connect ecological products of IAHS and modern social consumer groups through consumer psychological adjustment for IAHS utilization. Thirdly, the innovation of IAHS is an inevitable way for the sustainable development of rural industries. The innovation is to provide services to tradition, rather than replace the tradition. To promote the effectiveness of IAHS in development of rural industries in the context of ecological civilization, five aspects on innovation are necessary: 1) the innovation in terms of consumer targets and definition of the target consumers well in advance; 2) the innovation of service means and fully integration with national policies; 3) the innovation of service content and promotion of rural tourism; 4) the innovation of service spaces and promotion of the resources of IAHS; and 5) the innovation of services functions and reinforcement of ecological protection. In short, by preserving, utilizing, and innovating IAHS, current rural industries will have various approaches to ensuring sustainability of agriculture.