The Conference on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems was held in Qintian, Zhejiang, China on 18 July 2022. The conference attracted a range of high level speakers, including ministers, both online and offline. Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona addressed the gathering and, in his presentation, focused mainly on the Cascaded Tank Irrigation System of the dry zone of Sri Lanka (which is substantially still in use) which is listed by the FAO as a globally important agricultural heritage system. Of the 65 FAO listed systems worldwide, 18 are in China.

The participants were also taken on a tour of the silkworm breeding, silk thread spinning and the linked fish pond system in Huzhou and the rice cultivation and the closely associated carp farming system at the charming and inspiring Long Xiang village. Four varieties of edible carp were being farmed by the villagers. The integrated farming system helps to minimize the use of chemicals.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beijing

19 July 2022