An integrated mechanism and challenges of mountainous sustainable development: A review of Hani Terraces, China

Mountainous agricultural systems, which support 15% of the global population, face increasing sustainability challenges due to social transitions. The Honghe Hani Rice Terrace System (HHRTS) in China, a double world-level heritage site, demonstrates strong resilience despite these pressures. A comprehensive review reveals that its sustainability hinges on three interconnected dimensions: economic, environmental, and social stability. Economic sustainability relies on sufficient water and land resources alongside diverse employment opportunities, while environmental sustainability is maintained through balanced landscape structures, rich biodiversity, and ecological farming practices. Social stability depends on well-developed social systems, efficient management, and cultural guidance. Traditional knowledge and cultures play a pivotal role in preserving the terraced landscapes but are diminishing with industrialization and urbanization. The study proposes a dynamic evolution mechanism driven by economic and social factors, transitioning from agricultural to industrial societies based on the theory of planned behavior. It offers valuable local insights, experiences, and an analytical framework for reconstructing sustainable mountainous agricultural systems during socio-economic transformations.

Zhang, Y., Zhang, A., & Ma, Y. (2023). An integrated mechanism and challenges of mountainous sustainable development: A review of Hani Terraces, China. Sustainable Development, 32(1), 101–118. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2651