Move over, hidden gems—Deqing’s pearl aquaculture just became the world’s newest treasure! 🐚 The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has added Zhejiang Deqing’s Freshwater Pearl Mussel Fishery System to its elite list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) for 2025. Think of it like a UNESCO World Heritage site, but for farming and fishing traditions that balance ecology, culture, and livelihoods.
This shimmering recognition marks China’s first-ever GIAHS entry in aquaculture, joining 24 other Chinese systems (six in Zhejiang alone!) that lead the world in sustainable agricultural practices. 🌱💧 For over 1,800 years, Deqing’s pearl farmers have cultivated mussels alongside fish and plants—a ‘circular economy’ before it was a TikTok trend. Their methods reduce waste, protect water quality, and produce those Insta-worthy pearls you love.
FAO experts praised the system as a model for ‘harmony between humans and nature’, blending ancient wisdom with modern eco-innovation. For young travelers and culture buffs, Deqing’s pearl villages now offer a sparkling slice of living history—and maybe a souvenir or two. ✨
