Ethnic Culture and Nature: Interactions in the Hani Terrace Landscape

Abstract

Landscape is a combination of nature and culture with people playing a key role. The agricultural landscape is the result of the mutual interactions between the natural features of the region and the activities and mentality of the farmer, resulting in rich (agri) cultural landscapes with high natural, aesthetic and historical values. Some of the traditional agricultural landscapes are jeopardized by increased human activity and are recognized to be of major conservation importance. The terraced landscape created by the Hani ethnic groups in Yunnan Province, China, is an example of this. The interaction between the Hani culture and nature is changing from harmony to antinomy, due to changes in communication, policy and population pressure. Based on the investiagation of the Hani ethnic groups in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province, China, this paper analyzes the adaptation problems of Hani culture and nature–the cultural landscape of Hani terrace. Finally, the current interactions between Hani culture and the environment are analysed.