In the heart of Zhejiang Province, a centuries-old agricultural system is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by economic forces and changing consumer demands. A recent study published in the *Journal of Zhejiang University: Agricultural and Life Sciences Edition* (浙江大学学报. 农业与生命科学版) sheds light on the evolving landscape of the mulberry-dyke and fish-pond system in Nanxun District, a region renowned for its globally important agricultural heritage.
The research, led by ZHOU Ran, analyzed the spatio-temporal pattern evolution and driving factors of the mulberry-dyke and fish-pond system from 1975 to 2019. The findings reveal significant changes in the region’s agricultural landscape. “Fish ponds expanded rapidly, while mulberry fields and paddy fields shrank dramatically,” ZHOU Ran noted. This shift has led to a fragmentation of traditional agricultural patterns, with fish ponds increasingly operating independently from the integrated mulberry-dyke and fish-pond system.
The economic benefits of fish pond farming have been a major driving force behind these changes. From 2012 to 2019, the economic returns from fish farming far outstripped those from silkworm breeding and rice planting. This economic disparity has led to a significant reduction in the scale of mulberry-dykes and fish-ponds, as well as a serious decline in the proportion of dyke-pond systems.
The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate region. The mulberry-dyke and fish-pond system is not just a cultural heritage; it is a sustainable agricultural model that has supported communities for generations. As ZHOU Ran emphasizes, “It is necessary to further strengthen the protection and inheritance of the mulberry-dyke and fish-pond system through the establishment of globally important agricultural heritage systems.”
For the energy sector, this research highlights the potential for integrating sustainable agricultural practices with renewable energy solutions. The mulberry-dyke and fish-pond system, with its interconnected water management and agricultural production, offers a blueprint for sustainable land use that could be adapted to other regions. By preserving and promoting such systems, we can support both economic development and environmental sustainability.
As we look to the future, the lessons from Nanxun District serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between economic growth and cultural preservation. The research by ZHOU Ran and colleagues underscores the need for policies that support sustainable agricultural practices and the protection of globally important agricultural heritage systems. In doing so, we can ensure that these valuable systems continue to thrive and contribute to a more sustainable future.