Implications from centennial changes in Xin’an traditional cherry cultivation system and local traditional ecological knowledge

Widespread imbalances in human-nature relations arouse humanity learning from the agricultural heritage systems (AHSs) and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of indigenous and local communities (ILCs). As global agriculture and the environments have rapidly changed over the last hundred years, how have the AHSs and TEK proceeded during the period? What are the implications? Focusing on Xin’an Traditional Cherry Cultivation System, an over 1000-year-old typical AHS, this study drew on dynamic perspectives and examined the logic of centennial changes in the AHS and local TEK during 1920–2023. Findings show that the AHS and TEK were both well-preserved during 1920–1956, somewhat declined during 1956–1992, were disregarded during 1992–2010, regained attention during 2010–2020, and had an incipient revival during 2020–2023. Centennial changes in local human-nature relationship underwent an integration–loosening–alienation–reintegration process with economic system reforms and agro-technological progresses. The results reveal that modernisation alienated people from nature, and the connections between humans and nature gradually disintegrated, which may be the critical cause posing today’s global ecological and climate crises. It’s necessary to restore human-nature integration from current pervasive alienation for facilitating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) more viable worldwide. The route lies in revitalising TEK extensively. Based on fully considering the integrity and inviolable “sacredness” of TEK, AHSs and ecosystems, it’s proposed to reintegrate people with rural ecosystems and culture through measures like conservation subsidies for ILCs, local self-determination empowerment, vernacular culture education and nature education, and practice-oriented and intercultural research, thus restoring the unity of mind and nature. This study aims to provoke critical reflections on pathways for humanity to co-exist harmoniously with nature, thereby contributing to a collective response to global environmental challenges and crises.