Tea, with its millennia-old history, has played an indispensable role in shaping human civilization. From its influence on global commerce to the enriching cultural ceremonies it’s inspired, tea’s footprint is omnipresent. Recognizing the significance of this, in 2019, the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 21 as International Tea Day.
One of the shining emblems of this rich heritage is the Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er, which recently earned its rightful place on the World Heritage List. The honor can be attributed to two primary factors.
Firstly, tea has carved its importance in the tapestry of human history. It has fueled international trade and provided cultural dimensions that have globally resonated. Some events, deeply interwoven with tea, have even had profound implications on the course of human history.
Secondly, Jingmai Mountain stands as a symbol of the world’s tea gardens and forests. It offers a historical record of the early methods of understory tea cultivation. This unique method of cultivation capitalizes on forest ecosystems to deter pests and diseases, and nourish the tea trees, thus exemplifying a sustainable form of agricultural production.
The ancient tea forest is a living testament to traditions that span thousands of years. From the ancestral tea worship rituals to the intricate social governance structures involving government, tribes, and religion, everything converges to make this site a reservoir of cultural richness. The customs and knowledge, such as understory planting, traditional land usage, and the tea culture, all add layers to the rich tapestry of its history.
Moreover, the Old Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain showcase a remarkable model of sustainable land usage. It champions the preservation of both cultural and biological diversity. It offers invaluable insights into the nuanced relationship between indigenous ethnic groups like the Bulang and Dai, and the external forces of modernization, urbanization, and climate change. The ancient tea forests encapsulate the ethos of mutual respect between humans and nature, which holds crucial lessons for sustainable human development and cultural diversity coexistence.
In the broader spectrum, the world has been increasingly recognizing the importance of agricultural heritage, given its intrinsic link with human sustenance and livelihood. The World Heritage List already acknowledges 34 properties themed around agriculture. This includes sites dedicated to grape wine, like the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces in Switzerland, and those centered on coffee, such as Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape.
However, tea, despite being one of the oldest globally consumed beverages alongside grape wine and coffee, has only recently found its place on the list. This delay can be attributed to the vast diversity in tea cultivation methods, landscapes, and cultural interpretations across different geographies.
Addressing this challenge, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) embarked on comprehensive thematic studies, focusing on Asian tea cultural landscapes. The Chinese cultural heritage authorities actively participated, culminating in the publication of the ICOMOS Thematic Study on Tea Cultural Landscape – China in 2019. These endeavors solidified the foundation for Jingmai Mountain’s ancient tea forests to achieve the distinction of being the first tea cultural heritage site.
The multifaceted tea cultures across the globe deserve recognition and appreciation. Jingmai Mountain‘s prestigious inscription is anticipated to pave the way for further tea-themed heritage nominations, setting benchmarks in heritage assessment, value elucidation, and conservation efforts.
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