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, integrates traditional farming, irrigation, water management and the Hani people’s spiritual relationship with nature. It embodies traditional ecosystemic practices and provides a model for sustainable development aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The terraces exemplify a comprehensive water management system (SDG 6), grounded in resilient communities (SDG 11), efficient traditional farming (SDG 12) and climate-resilient water management (SDG 13). This article examines this traditional approach to water management to offer insights regarding the challenges involved in conserving and (re)creating holistic water systems. In the context of climate change, safeguarding this cultural landscape against flooding, drought and socioeconomic pressures is of critical importance.