A Chinese Model of Ecological Coexistence: The "Rice-Fish-Duck" System in Congjiang

Congjiang County in Guizhou Province has developed a centuries-old "rice-fish-duck" ecological system that integrates rice cultivation with fish and duck farming, creating a symbiotic cycle where animals fertilize the fields and control pests while the paddies provide their habitat. Recognized by the UN FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, this model now spans over 8,600 hectares, generating an output value of more than 638 million yuan (USD 88.6 million) and increasing incomes for over 80,000 households. Through the "company + cooperative + farmer + base" approach, the county has promoted technical training, high-quality rice cultivation, and brand development, while also integrating culture and tourism via experiential programs and landscape reserves. Combining ecological preservation with rural revitalization, Congjiang's "rice-fish-duck" system offers a replicable model of sustainable agriculture and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.