The Pu’er Traditional Tea Agrosystem, China.
Pu'er City and its surroundings are located in the southern part of China’s Yunnan Province and are home to 13 ethnic groups.
The area is rich in biodiversity, with half wild-half cultivated ancient tea trees, some older than 1000 years, growing in the carefully preserved tea plantations.
Innovation has been the secret to keeping this agroecosystem alive. The tea industry, driven by science and technology, has become a lead industry, developing the product, increasing the economy and improving farmers’ living standards.
“Pu’er tea production has increased by 44.5 percent since 2012, when it was recognized as a GIAHS site. And, also the City’s total tourism revenue increased by 707.59 percent after its designation” explained Deng Chuanchun, from the Pu’er Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
However, during the pandemic, Deng Chuanchun described how COVID-19 has been a challenge for tea production. The local tea market has temporarily shrunk and the number of merchants purchasing tea is decreasing sharply, causing a drop in the price of tea.
The Pu’er Traditional Tea Agrosystem, China.