The rice-fish symbiosis of Qingtian county in Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat ID: wxlishui]

The ministries of finance, natural resources, and ecology and environment recently announced the second batch of model cases for integrated protection and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts.

The rice-fish symbiotic system of Qingtian county in Lishui, Zhejiang province, has been selected as a national model among the top two projects in the province.

Located downstream of the Oujiang River, Qingtian's rice-fish system involves cultivating rice and raising fish in the same fields and boasts a history of over 1,300 years of biodiversity and ecological balance. Fish fertilize the rice fields with their waste, while rice plants provide food for the fish.

In 2005, the system was the first in China to be recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

In recent years, Qingtian has focused on preserving, utilizing, and integrating this heritage. Efforts include natural restoration, optimizing rice-fish techniques, reclaiming abandoned fields, and improving irrigation systems, promoting the rice-fish symbiosis.

The county has made efforts to transform ecological assets, create public brands, increase rice value, and boost farmers' incomes. By integrating technology for smart farming and promoting rural revitalization, it has successfully expanded its agricultural products to global markets.