On September 2, 2024, at the 75th meeting of the executive council of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) held in Sydney, Australia, four new ancient irrigation sites in China were officially recognized as World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS).
This recognition highlights the historical importance and impressive technical level of these systems. With this new designation, the total number of WHIS in the Asian country rises to a total of 38, consolidating it as a world leader in the diversity and breadth of this type of structures.
The Karez wells of Turpan
One of the sites selected this time is the Karez well system, located mainly in the Turpan region of Xinjiang province.
This ingenious, centuries-old irrigation system is unique in China. Karez wells are a complex combination of vertical wells, underground canals, surface canals and small reservoirs.
The purpose of the project is to channel water from melted glaciers in the Tianshan Mountains to the lowlands of the Turpan Basin, thereby ensuring water supply for both daily consumption and agricultural irrigation.
Today, more than 1,200 Karez wells are still in operation, irrigating over 6,600 hectares of arable land. The fact that they continue to function properly is a true testament to the ingenuity and level of technology of ancient China.
Huizhou and Wuyuan dams
The Huizhou Dam in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, and the Wuyuan Dam in Jiangxi Province are other projects that were recognized as WHIS on Monday.
These are water-dividing structures made of stacked stones that control the flow of water in local rivers. The oldest dam on the Xin’an River in Anhui is believed to have a history of nearly 1,700 years.
While these structures play a crucial role in water management, one thing that is striking is that they blend seamlessly into the landscape of the ancient villages that surround them, making them stand out not only in terms of their historical and technical value, but also their cultural and aesthetic value.
The beauty and functionality of these dams reflect a strong presence of ancient Chinese philosophy, which raises the question of the relationship between man and nature, preserved over the centuries.
Fengyan Terraces
Continuing with the sites recognized at the 75th ICID Executive Council Meeting, we find the Fengyan Terraces, located in northwest China, in Hanyin County, Shaanxi Province.
These agricultural terraces are spread over a vertical space spanning more than 1,000 meters in altitude. Their construction has enabled efficient irrigation of the region’s agricultural lands and has also contributed to the conservation of water resources in the mountains.
Jufeng Weirs
Finally, Jufeng Weirs in Xiushan County, Chongqing, is the fourth site to receive this prestigious recognition. Built in 1767, Jufeng Weirs is the oldest and best-preserved irrigation project in the region, and is still in operation today.
This system consists of three dams covering an irrigation area of over 1,000 hectares. Over the centuries, Jufeng Weirs has proven to be a model of durability and efficiency in water management, providing a steady supply for local agriculture and contributing to the economic development of the region in a seamless manner.
On the recognition of Irrigation Structures as World Heritage
World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) are a recognition awarded by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) to irrigation systems that have significant historical, cultural, and technical value.
Structures recognised in this way are notable for their contribution to agriculture, water management and the development of local communities throughout history.
To be recognized as WHIS, sites must meet several criteria:
- Structures must have a long history of continuous use and have proven to be sustainable over time.
- They must have engineering techniques or innovative solutions that have proven effective in water resource management and irrigation.
- They must have played a key role in the development of local communities, contributing to food security and social well-being.
- Many of these structures are also valued for their harmonious integration with the natural landscape.
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