Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) José Graziano da Silva made a study tour to Qingtian rice-fish aquaculture system, a GIAHS site in Zhejiang, on June 5, 2016. Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to FAO Niu Dun also attended the tour.
During the tour, José Graziano da Silva visited the Qiantian Traditional Farming Culture Education Center, watched the fish lantern dance, talked with farmers in the field, and observed the process of traditional rice transplanting. José Graziano da Silva spoke highly of the long history and scientific value of traditional Chinese farming culture, highlighting its significant role in promoting sustainable agricultural development, rejuvenating rural area and increasing farmer's income. He noted that China has taken the lead in agricultural heritage system protection and development and set a good example for other countries in the world.
The Qingtian rice-fish aquaculture system was listed by the FAO one of the first five Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems（GIAHS）in 2005. So far, China has11 GIAHS sites, outnumbering other countries in the world. The international community also attaches great importance to GIAHS. At the 2016 G20 Agricultural Ministers Meeting, all sides agreed to give support to GIAHS's development.