Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
英语作文农业的重要性
英语作文农业的重要性Agriculture is the cornerstone of human civilization, providing the sustenance necessary for survival and growth. It is not just a means of production but also a vital element in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of societies. Here are some key points that highlight the significance of agriculture:1. Food Security: Agriculture ensures that people have access to a stable supply of food. It is the primary source of nutrition for the world's population, and its importance cannot be overstated.2. Economic Development: Agriculture is a major contributor to the economy. It provides employment to a significant portion of the population, particularly in developing countries, and contributes to the GDP through the sale of agricultural products.3. Rural Livelihood: For many rural communities, agriculture is the main source of income. It supports the livelihood of farmers and their families, helping to maintain a way of life that has been passed down through generations.4. Environmental Conservation: Sustainable agricultural practices can help preserve the environment. Practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and conservation tillage can reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and protectbiodiversity.5. Cultural Heritage: Agriculture is deeply intertwined with cultural heritage. Traditional farming methods and indigenous knowledge systems have been developed over centuries and are an integral part of local cultures.6. Biodiversity: Agriculture plays a role in maintaining biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife and preserving genetic diversity in crops. This genetic diversity is crucial for developing new crop varieties that can withstand pests, diseases, and climate change.7. Innovation and Technology: The agricultural sector is a hub for innovation and the application of new technologies. From precision farming to genetically modified crops, advancements in agriculture are helping to increase yields and reduce environmental impact.8. Global Trade: Agriculture is a significant component of international trade. The exchange of agricultural products between countries fosters economic cooperation and helps to balance the supply and demand of food globally.9. Social Stability: A stable agricultural sector contributes to social stability by providing a reliable food supply, which is essential for maintaining peace and preventingsocial unrest.10. Health and Nutrition: Agriculture is directly linked to health and nutrition. A diverse and abundant agriculturaloutput ensures that people have access to a variety of foods, which is necessary for a balanced diet and good health.In conclusion, the importance of agriculture extends far beyond the production of food. It is a multifaceted sector that plays a crucial role in the well-being of individuals, communities, and nations. As the world continues to grow and evolve, the role of agriculture will only become more significant in ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.。
2025年1月“八省联考”考前猜想卷英语试题1(含答案)
2025年1月“八省联考”考前猜想卷02英语（考试时间：150分钟试卷满分：150分）注意事项：1．答卷前，考生务必将自己的姓名、考生号等填写在答题卡和试卷指定位置上。
2．回答选择题时，选出每小题答案后，用铅笔把答题卡对应题目的答案标号涂黑。
如需改动，用橡皮擦干净后，再选涂其他答案标号。
回答非选择题时，将答案写在答题卡上。
写在本试卷上无效。
3．考试结束后，将本试卷和答题卡一并交回。
第一部分听力(共两节，满分30分)第一节（共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）听下面5段对话。
每段对话后有一个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C 三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。
听完每段对话后，你都有10秒钟的时间来回答有关小题和阅读下一小题。
每段对话仅读一遍。
1．When will the woman probably get the phoneA．On Thursday B．On Friday C．On Saturday2．What may the weather be like nowA．Sunny B．Snowy C．Windy3．What is Susan busy doing nowA．Reading a novel B．Writing an essay C．Preparing for a test4．How many people will visit New York for freeA．2 B．3 C．55．Where does the conversation take placeA．On the phone B．In a restaurant C．At home第二节（共15小题；每小题1.5分，满分22.5分）听下面5段对话或独白。
每段对话或独白后有几个小题，从题中所给的A、B、C三个选项中选出最佳选项，并标在试卷的相应位置。
听每段对话或独白前，你将有时间阅读各个小题，每小题5秒钟；听完后，各小题将给出5秒钟的作答时间。
对中国有重大贡献的人英语作文
对中国有重大贡献的人英语作文Title: Celebrating Icons of China: Individuals Who Have Made Significant ContributionsChina, a land rich in history and culture, has been shaped by countless individuals who have made remarkable contributions to its development and prosperity. These heroes, from various fields, have left an indelible mark on the nation's progress, inspiring generations to come.One such individual is Yuan Longping, the "Father of Hybrid Rice." His dedication to agricultural research has revolutionized China's food production, significantly reducing hunger and poverty. Yuan's hybrid rice varieties have not only increased yields but also been adopted globally, contributing to global food security. His achievements have been recognized worldwide, and his legacy will continue to inspire future scientists to pursue agricultural innovation.Another notable figure is Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China's economic reform. His visionary leadership during the late 1970s and early 1980s marked a turning point inChina's history, ushering in the era of reform and opening-up. Deng's policies, such as the establishment of Special Economic Zones and the encouragement of foreign investment, have transformed China into a global economic powerhouse. His reforms have lifted millions out of poverty and have made China a major player in the global economy.In the field of science and technology, Tu Youyou's discovery of artemisinin, a drug effective against malaria, has saved millions of lives worldwide. Her research, which led to the development of the first-ever drug against malaria derived from traditional Chinese medicine, is a testament to the power of combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods. Tu's work has not only benefited China but has also contributed to global health efforts.The contributions of these individuals are not limited to science and economics. In the realm of literature and art, writers like Mo Yan have captivated the world with their stories of rural China, preserving and promoting the country's rich cultural heritage. Mo's novels, such as "RedSorghum" and "Frog," have won international acclaim, introducing Chinese literature to a global audience.Moreover, sportspeople like Yao Ming, a basketball legend, have raised the profile of Chinese athletics on the global stage. His exceptional skills and dedication to the sport have inspired countless young people to pursue their athletic dreams. Yao's influence has also extended beyond the court, as he has used his platform to promote social causes and charity work.In conclusion, China's history is rich in stories of individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's development. From agricultural scientists like Yuan Longping to economic reformers like Deng Xiaoping, and from medical researchers like Tu Youyou to cultural icons like Mo Yan and Yao Ming, these heroes have left an indelible mark on China's progress. Their achievements are not only a testament to their individual talents but also a reflection of the resilience and creativity of the Chinese people. As we look forward to the future, it is important to remember and honor these icons, whose contributions willcontinue to inspire and guide China towards a brighter future.。
粮食重要性英语作文
粮食重要性英语作文英文回答：The Importance of Food.Food is essential for the survival of all living beings. It provides the necessary nutrients and energy for our bodies to function properly. Among all types of food,grains are particularly important as they form the staple diet for a large part of the world's population.Grains such as rice, wheat, and corn are the mostwidely consumed and important sources of food globally.They are rich in carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of energy. Additionally, grains also provideessential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for maintaining good health.In many developing countries, grains are the primary source of nutrition for people. They are affordable andreadily available, making them a crucial part of the diet for millions of individuals. Without an adequate supply of grains, many people would suffer from malnutrition and other health issues.Moreover, grains play a significant role in food security and economic stability. A stable and sufficient supply of grains is essential for preventing food shortages and ensuring that everyone has access to an adequate amount of food. Additionally, the production and trade of grains contribute to the economic growth of many countries, providing livelihoods for millions of farmers and workers in the agricultural sector.In conclusion, the importance of grains in our diet and global food supply cannot be overstated. They are not only a vital source of nutrition for millions of people but also play a crucial role in ensuring food security and economic stability.中文回答：粮食的重要性。
农业科技与农业现代化英语作文
Agricultural Technology and AgriculturalModernizationIn the 21st century, the world is witnessing an unprecedented revolution in agriculture, driven by the rapid advancement of agricultural technology and thepursuit of agricultural modernization. This revolution is not only transforming the way we produce food but also reshaping the agricultural landscapes and economies across the globe.At the core of this revolution is the integration of cutting-edge technologies into agricultural practices. Precision agriculture, a subset of this integration,utilizes data analytics and sensors to monitor and manage crops, soil, and climate conditions with unprecedented accuracy. This allows farmers to optimize their inputs, reduce waste, and increase yields. For instance, the use of drones for crop monitoring and the application of precision fertilizer and pesticide spraying have significantly improved crop health and productivity.Another significant trend is the emergence of smart farming techniques. These techniques involve the use ofinternet-connected devices and sensors to collect and analyze data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about crop management. Smart irrigation systems, for example, can automatically adjust water flow based on soil moisture levels, thereby conserving water and ensuring optimal crop growth.Moreover, the development of biotechnology and genetic engineering has opened new avenues for crop improvement. Through genetic modification, scientists can enhance crops' resistance to pests and diseases, improve nutritional value, and even increase yields. These advances have the potential to significantly improve food security and agricultural sustainability.However, the rapid pace of technological advancements also poses challenges. Farmers need to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use these technologies. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential environmental and ethical implications of some of these technologies, especially in the realm of genetic modification. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure thatagricultural technology is developed and applied in a responsible and sustainable manner.Agricultural modernization, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses not only technological advancements but also changes in agricultural policies, institutions, and markets. It involves the transition from traditional, subsistence-oriented agriculture to a more market-oriented, productive, and efficient system. This transition is driven by a range of factors, including population growth, urbanization, and changes in consumer preferences.In the context of agricultural modernization, technology plays a pivotal role. It helps to increase agricultural productivity, reduce costs, and improve the quality of agricultural products. This, in turn, enables farmers to earn higher incomes and invest in further improving their farms. At the same time, agricultural modernization also involves the development of infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation systems, and the establishment of efficient markets for agricultural products.It is worth noting that agricultural modernization does not mean abandoning traditional agricultural practices or ignoring the needs and preferences of rural communities. On the contrary, it should be a process that respects and builds on local knowledge and resources while incorporating modern technologies and practices.In conclusion, agricultural technology and agricultural modernization are intertwined processes that are transforming the agricultural sector globally. While technological advancements are opening new possibilitiesfor increasing productivity and efficiency, agricultural modernization is providing the necessary framework and infrastructure to support these advancements. However, itis important to ensure that these processes are implemented in a responsible and sustainable manner, taking into account the needs and preferences of farmers and rural communities, as well as the potential environmental and ethical implications.**农业科技与农业现代化**21世纪，世界正经历着一场前所未有的农业革命，这场革命由农业科技的迅速发展和农业现代化的追求所驱动。
城镇人口和农村人口英语作文
城镇人口和农村人口英语作文Urbanization has been a significant trend globally, with a growing number of people moving from rural areas to cities. This shift has profound implications for both the economy and the social fabric of societies.In urban areas, the concentration of population leads to increased economic activities, job opportunities, and access to better education and healthcare. However, it also brings challenges such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and environmental issues.On the other hand, rural populations often face limited access to resources and opportunities. The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of rural economies, can benefit from technological advancements and modern farming practices to improve productivity and sustainability.The balance between urban and rural development iscrucial for a nation's progress. Governments must invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare in rural areas to prevent the mass exodus to cities and to ensure equitable growth.Moreover, preserving the cultural heritage and natural beauty of rural areas is essential. These regions often hold unique traditions and landscapes that contribute to the diversity and richness of a nation's identity.The integration of technology in rural areas can bridge the gap between urban and rural lifestyles. For instance, digital platforms can provide remote access to education and healthcare services, making them more accessible to rural populations.Sustainable urban planning is necessary to accommodate the influx of people into cities. This includes creating green spaces, efficient public transportation systems, and affordable housing to improve the quality of life for urban dwellers.The dichotomy between urban and rural populations is not just about numbers; it's about ensuring that every citizen, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation's prosperity.In conclusion, the dynamic between urban and rural populations is a complex issue that requires thoughtful and comprehensive strategies. By addressing the needs of both communities, we can foster a more harmonious and prosperous society.。
农业文化遗产英语作文
农业文化遗产英语作文Agricultural cultural heritage is an important part of our history and tradition. It represents the knowledge, skills, and practices that have been passed down through generations, shaping the way we interact with the land and produce food. From ancient farming techniques totraditional crop varieties, agricultural cultural heritage reflects the deep connection between people and the environment.The preservation of agricultural cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and promoting sustainable farming practices. By safeguarding traditional knowledge and techniques, we can learn from the past and apply this wisdom to address current and future challenges in agriculture. Additionally, agricultural cultural heritage contributes to the cultural identity of communities and plays a significant role in tourism and local economies.Efforts to protect and promote agricultural cultural heritage can take various forms, such as documenting traditional farming practices, conserving heirloom seeds, and revitalizing traditional crafts and rituals related to agriculture. These initiatives not only help to preserve valuable knowledge and traditions but also foster a senseof pride and connection to the land among local communities.Incorporating agricultural cultural heritage into education and outreach programs can help raise awareness about the importance of traditional farming practices and their relevance in today's world. By engaging with agricultural cultural heritage, people can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between humans, nature, and food production, and develop a greater appreciation for the diversity of agricultural traditions around the world.In conclusion, agricultural cultural heritage is a rich and diverse tapestry that embodies the wisdom and experiences of our ancestors. By recognizing, preserving, and celebrating this heritage, we can honor thecontributions of past generations, enrich our agricultural practices, and ensure a sustainable future for farming and food production.。
英语作文学校举办节约粮食的作文比赛
英语作文学校举办节约粮食的作文比赛全文共3篇示例，供读者参考篇1A School Composition Contest on Saving FoodWhen our school announced a composition contest on the topic of saving food, I was immediately intrigued. As a student, I've witnessed far too much food waste in the cafeteria and from packed lunches. Seeing good food carelessly tossed in the trash has always bothered me. This contest was a chance to raise awareness and inspire change.In my essay, I wanted to tackle the issue from multiple angles. First, I examined the staggering statistics on food waste globally and here in our own community. The numbers are trulymind-boggling. Roughly one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted – about 1.3 billion tons per year. That's enough to feed 3 billion people! The costs of this wasteful behavior are not just measured in dollars and cents, but in squandered resources like water, land, energy, and labor.Here at home, our school cafeteria alone throws out hundreds of pounds of uneaten food each week. I've seen kidsdiscard whole bananas, apples, sandwiches, and more just because they didn't like one small part of their lunch. The mentality seems to be "there's plenty more where that came from" without considering that the food didn't magically appear – it required hard work by farmers and funds from our families.Next, I tried to diagnose the underlying causes behind our throw-away culture. Why are we so careless and wasteful with food? Part of it is ingrained habits and lack of mindfulness. We're accustomed to overbuying, taking excessive portions, and discarding leftovers without a second thought. Another factor is that modern society is incredibly disconnected from our food sources. Most of us have never experienced real hunger or growing our own food, so we don't fully appreciate what it takes to put meals on our tables.I also looked at the broader impacts of food waste, apart from the ethical concerns. An astounding 25% of fresh water consumption and over 300 million barrels of oil per year go into producing food that ultimately goes uneaten. That's a catastrophic drain on limited natural resources. Additionally, food rotting in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. So food waste directly contributes to water scarcity, fossil fuel depletion, and climate change.In the third section, I proposed some solutions that our school could implement to curtail food waste. One is better education through campaigns, posters, and integrating discussions into relevant classes. Simply raising awareness can have a big impact. We could also make changes to our cafeteria policies, such as smaller portion sizes, taking only what you'll eat, and allowing re-filling instead of throwing half-eaten trays away.At home, families could get into better habits like meal planning, freezing leftovers, and "eating the uglies" – the perfectly good but misshapen produce that often gets rejected. Buying "imperfect" produce is also far less wasteful. On a municipal level, improving systems for donated untouched cafeteria leftovers to shelters and food banks could make a major difference.To conclude, I urged my reader to make this issue personal. For every uneaten item you toss, visualize all the effort and resources that went into producing that food, from the farmer's labor to the fossil fuels burned in transportation. See the water wastefully guzzled. Envision the methane spewing into our atmosphere. And finally, picture all those starving people around the world who would be grateful for those discarded scraps.I poured my heart into that essay, hoping to open eyes and change minds. While the new student ambassadors for food conservation won't be announced until next week, I already feel victorious. Merely engaging deeply with this critically important topic has shifted my own mindset in a profound way.Whether my composition wins the contest or not, it has undoubtedly been an enriching experience. This process has transformed me into an advocate for reducing food waste. I now treat every meal with reverence, minimizing portions to simply what I'll consume. Leftovers get bagged up, not trashed. Acquiring an attitude of gratitude and mindfulness around food has been life-changing. Even simple actions can make an impact and create a positive ripple effect.In our prosperous society, we've become numb to how incredibly privileged we are to have such easy access to diverse, abundant food supplies. It's easy to take these modern miracle for granted and disrespect how that food arrived on our plates. Writing this essay has reminded me never to let my food be "wasted" again – I will always strive minimize my footprint on our overloaded, depleted planet while appreciating the bounty on my plate.The lessons I've learned from this composition contest will stick with me for life. In the grand scheme, conserving food is a triple-win: It's better for the environment, reduces hunger and poverty, and saves money that could be reallocated to other vital needs like education. I hope sharing the powerful perspectives in my essay may catalyze others to join me in adopting more sustainable practices. Even if I falter sometimes, at least I've made a start.So bring on the results! While outward validation would be nice, the greatest prize was the awareness and behavior change this experience sparked within me. Thanks to our school for sponsoring this worthwhile contest – may it be the start of an impactful food waste reduction movement that extends far beyond our campus.篇2My School's Food Waste Reduction Essay ContestWhen I first heard about the food waste reduction essay contest at my school, I have to admit I wasn't that excited. Writing an essay on such a dry, boring topic? No thanks. But my English teacher said participation was mandatory, so I had nochoice. Little did I know just how eye-opening and impactful this experience would be.The contest rules were simple: write a persuasive essay on why reducing food waste is important and how we can do it at home, at school, and in our community. Whoever wrote the most convincing and well-researched essay would win a prize. I figured I'd just spend a couple hours writing something and get it over with. Boy, was I wrong.As I started researching food waste statistics, my eyes were opened to what a massive issue this truly is on a global scale. Did you know that around one third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted? That's a staggering 1.3 billion tons of food going to waste each year while millions of people starve. The amount of land, water, labor and energy needed to grow that wasted food is simply mind-boggling.I read countless reports on the devastating environmental impact of food waste as well. All the agricultural resources like fertilizers and pesticides used to grow wasted crops. The methane emissions from rotting food in landfills. It's one of the biggest contributors to climate change. It's no exaggeration to say that reducing food waste could be one of the most effective ways to protect the planet.On a more personal level, I started becoming much more aware of the food waste happening right under my nose. I'd see kids at school barely touching their lunch trays before dumping them in the trash. How many times had I done the same without even thinking about it? At home, I watched my own family wasting food by buying too many perishable groceries that ended up going bad before we could eat them.The more I learned, the more impassioned I became about spreading awareness of this issue. I knew I had to write my essay in a way that would really make people stop and think. I spent weeks drafting and revising, making sure to really drive home the gravity of the problem with hard facts and statistics. But I also wanted to emphasize the hope that each of us has the power to make a difference.In my essay, I laid out tons of practical tips that anyone could implement to cut down on food waste at little to no cost. At home, things like careful meal planning, smart grocery shopping, composting, and learning how to preserve perishable foods properly. At school, not overloading lunch trays, putting wonky-looking but perfectly good produce and milk cartons on a share table, auditing wasted cafeteria food to adjust portion sizes. Even something as simple as being aware of food datesand knowing the difference between "best by" and "expiration" dates.I tried to make it really hit home that reducing food waste isa team effort that starts with each of us. If we all make some minor adjustments to our habits, it can lead to major positive change. I talked about how schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and local governments all need to prioritize reducing food waste from an institutional level as well. Recovering surplus food and getting it to people in need is also hugely important.In the end, I was really proud of my essay. But even prouder of how much I had learned and how passionate I had become about fighting food waste. If actions speak louder than words, I knew I needed to put my newfound knowledge into practice and start making changes in my own life immediately.When the winner of the essay contest was announced, I'll admit I was a little disappointed it wasn't me. But I realized that wasn't the point. We all were winners by being educated on such a critical issue that impacts everything from environmental sustainability to humanitarian crisis relief. The girl who won had some great ideas too, like asking our school cafeteria to partner with a local food bank.Thanks to this contest, food waste reduction is now something I'm committed to for life. Our school even started a Food Recovery Club, where students take leftover cafeteria food to shelters and food pantries. We've rescued thousands of pounds of good food from going to waste so far.My family has made big changes at home too. We've mastered meal prepping and only buy what we know we'll eat. We keep a container in the freezer for veggie odds and ends to make stock out of later. Composting has been a huge gain for reducing trash. And we've all become pros at analyzing food dates and knowing when something is still safe to eat rather than just tossing it.Ultimately, I'm so grateful my school had this food waste essay contest, even though it seemed like a chore at first. It opened my eyes to one of the most crucial problems facing our planet today. It proved that us students have a voice that can be powerful catalysts for change. And it's given me skills to make a real, tangible difference through my daily habits and choices. It's one of the most valuable lessons I've learned in my entire school career.篇3My School's Food Waste Reduction Composition ContestIt was just another typical Monday morning at Smith High when the morning announcements came over the loudspeaker. I slumped down in my usual desk in Mr. Henderson's homeroom, not really paying attention as I dozed off a bit from staying up too late the night before. But then something the principal said caught my ear - there was going to be a school-wide composition contest on the topic of reducing food waste.My interest was immediately piqued. Reducing food waste was something I felt pretty passionate about after watching a documentary last year on the staggering amount of edible food that gets thrown out across the world every day - something like 1.3 billion tons per year. All that wasted food, and yet millions of people don't have enough to eat. It's such a senseless problem, but one that everyone can do their part to improve.The contest details were that any student could submit an essay, story, poem, or other original writing piece of 500-1000 words focused on why reducing food waste is important and how we could all do a better job of it in our daily lives, at home, at school, or in our community. Entries would be judged on creativity, persuasiveness, and actionable ideas. The winnerwould receive a 100 cash prize and their piece would be published in the school newsletter.I knew right then that I wanted to enter and try my best to win. Not just for the cash prize, but because raising awareness and motivating people to reduce food waste is something I really care about. We've got to protect our planet's resources and make sure no one goes hungry when there's plenty of food to go around if we're not so wasteful.Over the next few weeks, I spent a lot of time thinking about my angle and how to make my composition stand out. I did some more research online about the scale of the global food waste problem and mind-boggling statistics like how a third of all food produced for human consumption never even gets eaten. I learned about things like how confusing date labeling leads to tons of perfectly good food getting tossed prematurely. Or how giant portions at restaurants basically encourage people to not finish what's on their plates.For my composition, I ultimately decided to go with a creative non-fiction piece telling the "life story" of a plump red apple - from being lovingly grown on a family orchard, to traveling over 1,000 miles by truck to get to a supermarket, getting scooped up only to sit in someone's fridge for weeks,finally being rediscovered weeks later by the owner only to be judged as seeming "past its prime" because of its wrinkly skin and tossed straight into the trash without even being tasted. A sad ending to the apple's journey demonstrating how easy it is for good food to be mindlessly wasted.I tried to use vivid imagery and figurative language to bring the apple to life as a character and really make the reader empathize with its tragic destiny. At the end, I directly addressed the reader about all the critical resources like water, energy, land, human labor that had been squandered over this one piece of wasted food - then asked them to imagine multiplying that waste by the millions of tons of food discarded worldwide every day. I implored people to keep food fresh for as long as possible through proper storage, only buy what they need, embrace uglier produce, get creative with leftovers, and really appreciate the incredible journey their food has made to reach their plate.When it came time to submit my entry, I was really proud of my creative approach and passion for the subject that came through in my writing. A few weeks later, I was astonished and absolutely delighted when I got called down to the principal's office only to find out that I had won the contest! The judges loved my unique narrative perspective that drove home the issuein such an engaging, thought-provoking way. They said it really made them see the problem through fresh eyes.At the next school assembly, I got to read my award-winning composition in front of the whole student body and staff. It was such an empowering, validating experience to see my words and ideas about an issue I deeply care about resonate so strongly with my peers and teachers. In that moment, despite being just a high school student, I felt like the impact of my writing could genuinely inspire positive change in attitudes and behaviors around an important global issue.I realize now that this Food Waste Reduction Composition Contest was about so much more than just a writing exercise or chance to win a small cash prize. It helped raise critical awareness about a massive environmental and humanitarian problem in a way that deeply resonated with our student community. My apple's journey will hopefully be a powerful motivator for my fellow students to rethink their own relationships with food and not take it for granted.After the contest, I was really inspired to launch a new student organization at my school dedicated to fighting food waste through educating our community, volunteer waste reduction efforts, and even trying to get changes implementedin our own school cafeteria policies and practices. I'm more passionate than ever about using my voice and speaking out through writing to move people toward positive changes in their behaviors and attitudes - especially around environmental and social issues that impact all of humanity.We've got to be the change we want to see in this world. Even if you start small, reducing food waste is one of the easiest, highest-impact lifestyle adjustments we can all make to protect our planet's precious resources and ensure none of our human family goes hungry. One bright red "ugly" apple at a time, we can spread more awareness and make progress against this crisis of complacency and sheer wastefulness. I'm so grateful my school provided the creative spark to light this fire within me, and I have no plans of letting that flame go out anytime soon.。
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GloballyImportantAgriculturalHeritageSystems(GIAHS)ofChina:thechallengeofcomplexityinresearch
AnthonyM.Fuller,1,2,3QingwenMin,1,4WenjunJiao,1andYanyingBai11InstituteofGeographicSciencesandNaturalResourcesResearch,ChineseAcademyofSciences,Beijing100101China
2CollegeofHumanitiesandDevelopmentAgriculturalUniversity,Beijing100094China
3SchoolofEnvironmentalDesignandRuralDevelopment,UniversityofGuelph,Guelph,OntarioN1H2W1Canada
Abstract.ThechallengeofresearchingGloballyImportantAgriculturalHeritageSystems(GIAHS)ascomplexsystemsformsthesubjectmatterofthisstudy.Complexadaptivesystemsarethosethatcombinenaturalecologicalprocesseswithhumaninteractionstoproduceamutuallysupportiveagro-ecologicalsystem.InChina,thesehighlyvariedsystemshavetheaddeddimensionoflonghistoricaltime,inthattheyhaveevolvedovermanycenturiesandthusaddahistoricaldimensiontothenaturalandhumandimensionsofcomplexity.InpreparingresearchonGIAHS,itisclearthatseeingGIAHSsitesaswholesystemsisanessentialstartingandendingpoint.ExaminingtheadaptivecapacityofaGIAHSwithitsmultiplescalesandcomplexinterdependenciesisamajorchallengeforresearchersaccustomedtospecializeddisciplinarythinking.AGIAHSrepresentsamatureagro-ecologicalsystemwithhumanagencyasacentralcomponentthathasbeenhonedovermanycenturies,andhasalreadyadaptedtomanyperturbationsandchanges.ThebeautyoftheGIAHSisintheintegrationofcustom,knowledge,andpractice,anditshouldbestudiedforits‘‘wholeness’’aswellasforitsresilienceandcapacityfor‘‘selforganization.’’Theagro-ecologicalapproachopensthepossibilityofresearchingasystemasawholeandoftakingitscomplexityseriously.ThisstudyreviewstheessentialfeaturesoftheGIAHSasacomplexadaptivesystemwhereuncertaintyisnormalandsurpriseiswelcomeand,inacasestudyofQingtianrice–fishculturesystem,focusesonnewperturbations,namelylossofyoungpeopleandtheintroductionoftourism.
Keywords:agro-ecology;complexadaptivesystem;GloballyImportantAgriculturalHeritageSystem(GIAHS);QingtianCounty,China;rice–fishculturesystem;self-organizingsystem;tourism;traditionalecologicalknowledge;uncertainty.
Citation:Fuller,A.M.,Q.Min,W.Jiao,andY.Bai.2015.GloballyImportantAgriculturalHeritageSystems(GIAHS)ofChina:thechallengeofcomplexityinresearch.EcosystemHealthandSustainability1(2):6.http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/EHS14-0007.1
IntroductionConceptualizingtheagriculturalheritagesystemsofChinaascomplexadaptivesystemsisonestepinenablingtheresearchcommunitytoexaminetheubiquitousriceterraceagricultureinSouthernChinafromaholisticperspective.ThankstotheleadershipofLi(2001)andLietal.(2011),aChineseagro-ecologicalperspectivehasbeendevelopedthatlargelyencompass-estheecologicalandhumandimensionsoffarmingsystems.Tothispoint,theresearchcommunityhasgenerallybeenboundbyascientificapproachtoresearch.Althoughsocialscienceisincluded,itforms
aseparatefield,wherethereare‘‘twosolitudes’’ofresearchwithlittleintegration.Asaresult,thereislimitedadvancementintermsofresearchinghumanandecologicalsystemsasawhole.Takinganagro-ecologicalapproach,whichincludesthehumanandphysicalcomponentsoffarming,andtreatingthisapproachasacomplexadaptivesystem,whichintroducessuchelementsasuncertainty,multipleperspectives,selforganization,andsurprise,wemaybeabletogetclosertounderstandingfarmingsystemsasawhole.Thisstudyattemptstoaddressthisissueintheoreticaltermsbyemployingcomplexadaptivesystemsthinkingtostudyingrice–fishterraceagro-ecosystemsinSouthernChina,formallydesignatedasGloballyImportantAgriculturalHeritageSystems(GIAHS)bytheFoodandAgricultureOrganizationoftheUnitedNations(FAO).GIAHSisadesignationbytheFAOofselected
Manuscriptreceived15August2014;revised30October2014;
accepted4November2014;published27April2015.4Correspondingauthor.E-mail:minqw@igsnrr.ac.cn
EcosystemHealthandSustainability1www.ecohealthsustain.orgsitesaroundtheworldofoutstandingsymbiosisbetweenmanandnature,whichproducesanenduringproductionandsocialsystemthatisadaptableanddynamic.Bytheendof2014,therewere11GIAHSdesignationsand39nationaldesignationsofagro-heritagesitesinChina.Thisstudyfirstprovidessomeobservationsonthelimitationsofa‘‘scienceonly’’approachandthenoffersaconceptualizationofGIAHSasagro-ecologicalsystemsandhowwemightapproachstudyingthemascomplexadaptivesystems.ExamplesfromQingtianCountyinSouthernChinaprovideevidenceofhowwemightthinkaboutthistask.Weconcludewithsomesuggestionsastohowtogoforwardwiththisscaleofinquiry.Researchagendasaregenerallyformulatedbyna-tionalandregionalpolicy,temperedbytheresearchcapacitiesoftheeducationalandresearchinstitutionsinvolved,andfinallyshapedbytheexpedienciesoftheday.Inthislengthyprocess,theresearchthatemergesisthusinfluencedbymanyfactorsandistheresultofalongprocessofnegotiationandcompromise.Whatresultsisnotalwaysverygoodresearch.InthisstudyonresearchingGIAHS,thefirstobjectiveistoreviewsomeofthecommonargumentsthatdeterminetheformthatresearchprojectstakeandhowsuitabletheseareforthecomplexproblemsthatwefacetoday.Ontheonehand,limitedtimeandresources(expediencies)areoftenthedeterminantsofresearchapproachesratherthantheproblematique(theresearchquestion)itself.Ontheotherhand,apoorlyformedproblematiquecanshapetheresearchresponseinsuchawayastopredisposetheoutcometobepredictable,modest,orunenlightening.Centraltothisdiscussionistheinfluencethattheresearchframehasonthequalityoftheoutcomes.Researchismostoftenformulatedintoprojectswithtimelimitsandresourceallocationsthatmostresearchersfindinadequate.Asaresult,researchissimplifiedtofitthetimeframesofinstitutionsandfundingagenciesandisoftencompartmentalizedtosuittherequirementsofdiscipline-basedmastersanddoc-toralprograms,forexample.Simplificationhasbecomethemainobjectiveinmosteducation-basedresearch.Simplificationmeansfrag-mentingtheproblemswefacetomakethemsmallerandmoremanageableanddeliverableintermsofresearch.Theresultistheproductionofamyriadofresearch‘‘bitsandpieces,’’whichmaybelaudableinthemselves,butarefarshortoftheholisticpicturethatmayberequiredtoanswerproblemsofsocialand/orenvironmentalimportance.Inaddition,suchresearchisoftenbasedoncasestudiesandproducesknowledgeaboutspecificplacesatdifferentscalesandfordifferentpointsintime,renderingthemalmostimpossibletoaggregateintoanysemblanceofholisticknowledge.Thisscatter-gunapproach,generatedbytheprinciplesofobjectivityandsimplicity,ishighlypragmatic,buthardlyenlight-eningintermsofunderstandingsystemsasawhole.