Experts from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's Scientific Advisory Group on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems visited Deqing county in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on April 9-11.

The mission of experts Jose Maria Garcia Alvarez-Coque and Aicha Bammoun was to conduct an in-depth field study and evaluation of Deqing county's freshwater pearl composite farming system.

The team visited various sites including Lishan village, Shacun village, Xiazhu Lake, Xinshi ancient town, and a pearl museum in the county, focusing on the origins of the fishing culture, pearl culture, ecological farming, and industry development.

After conducting various activities such as going by boat to harvest some pearls, opening freshwater mussels by hand, and observing deep-processing production lines, the experts praised the ecological values, social benefits, and sustainable development principles of Deqing's freshwater pearl farming.

Jose Maria Garcia Alvarez-Coque and Aicha Bammoun try their hand at opening freshwater mussels. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhounongye]

Deqing county's freshwater pearl farming is based on the natural symbiotic relationship between fish and freshwater mussels, using the traditional mantle-attached pearl cultivation techniques. It has evolved into a complex aquaculture system that is rich in aquatic biodiversity.

Deqing is recognized for being the birthplace of artificial pearl cultivation techniques.

In 2017, the county's freshwater pearl farming was added to China's list of vital agricultural heritage due to its unique method of using traditional practices while maintaining the ecosystem.