#China #FAO #Deqing #Deqing Pearl Culture #Aquaculture Heritage

Deqing's Aquaculture Heritage: A Global Recognition

On May 19, a significant addition was made to the crown of world agricultural heritage. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations announced that the freshwater pearl mussel farming system from Deqing County in Zhejiang Province has been included in the Creative Agricultural Heritage Systems list for 2025. This recognition marks the beginning of a new chapter for China, as it is the country's first worldwide recognized cultural agricultural heritage project in aquaculture.

The Roots of Deqing's Pearl Farming

The history of artificial freshwater pearl cultivation in Deqing can be traced back to the Southern Song Dynasty. The heritage site spans the first area in China officially designated for freshwater pearl cultivation. In the picturesque locale of Xiaoshanyang, nestled in Fuxi Street, fish glide through the crystal-clear waters while pearl mussels dwell harmoniously in their environment. The waste produced by the fish promotes the growth of plankton, which not only feeds the mussels but also purifies the water in a remarkable ecological cycle.

FAO expert Aicha Bammoun lauded the system as a brilliant amalgamation of agricultural wisdom and modern sustainability practices, highlighting the enduring vitality of Chinese agricultural civilization.

Economic Impact and Development

In recent years, Deqing County has been actively promoting the integration of a complete industrial chain dubbed "pearl+". The deep processing industry for pearls in Deqing now boasts an annual production value exceeding 7 billion yuan, contributing to nearly one-tenth of the national total and creating around 20,000 jobs.

The quest to systematically study the origins of freshwater pearl cultivation began in Deqing in the late 1970s. Over a span of more than three decades, researchers published significant findings, including historical evidence of large-scale artificial pearl farming in ancient China. In June 2017, the system received official recognition as an important agricultural cultural heritage by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China. Subsequently, a request was submitted to the FAO for inclusion in the SIPAM list in September of that year; it made it to the preliminary listing in 2019.

In April 2025, FAO experts conducted a field assessment, ultimately confirming its inclusion into the SIPAM framework. Min Qingwen, head of the SIPAM expert committee at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, explained, "As the first SIPAM project in China's aquaculture sector, the Deqing pearl mussel system serves as an exemplary case, setting a new bridge for traditional Chinese agricultural wisdom to shine on the global stage."

While this heritage recognition is a commendable accomplishment, authorities stressed that it is merely the beginning. There will be ongoing efforts to further explore and promote the value inherent in this unique aquaculture system.



In conclusion, the recognition of the Deqing pearl culture system by the FAO not only uplifts the local economy but also serves as a testament to China's rich agricultural heritage. It is an invitation for the world to appreciate the deep-rooted traditions that have transcended time, blending ancient wisdom with modern agricultural practices, and setting a precedent for sustainable aquaculture worldwide.