An Integrated Water System: The Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

The Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2013, serves as a model for sustainable development by integrating traditional farming, irrigation, and water management practices with the spiritual relationship of the Hani people to nature. This landscape exemplifies a comprehensive water management system that aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (climate action). The study highlights the resilience of this system in traditional farming practices, offering insights into conserving and recreating holistic water systems amid climate change challenges such as flooding and drought. It underscores the importance of safeguarding this cultural landscape against socioeconomic pressures while maintaining its ecological and cultural integrity.

Dai, T., & Hein, C. (2025). An Integrated Water System: The Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. Blue Papers, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.58981/bluepapers.2025.2.14