Characteristics of urban agricultural heritage sites: Policies and management methods for their conservation in China, Germany, and Italy

Abstract

This study aims to emphasise the significance and urgency of preserving urban agricultural heritage (UAH) sites, research how to maintain and manage them, and explore the different strategies for UAH conservation. Three recognised UAH sites in different countries (a traditional urban grape garden in Xuanhua, China; ‘Urban Gardening’ in Bamberg, Germany; and traditional farmsteads in the metropolitan city of Milan, Italy) were selected as examples. We first identified and analysed UAH features from the perspectives of spatial distribution, historical factors, ecological functions, and livelihood approaches. Thereafter, policy adjustments and management approaches of the three cities were explored in depth. The results reveal that the three sites still lack social concerns. Business models in Xuanhua and Milan need to be updated; a bottom-up management mechanism in Xuanhua, particularly towards water shortage, should be arranged; agro-biodiversity in Bamberg might be strengthened. Finally, suggestions have been made for the preservation and development of UAH at these sites. The six general strategies proposed in this study can be replicated and applied widely to guide UAH conservation in other regions. This could contribute to UAH preservation in the future.