Photo：Li Qingsong

Tourists seek experiences of nature；they want to try foreign foods and regional specialities. This interest in what is down-to-earth and distinctive represents an opportunity to preserve old plant varieties and animal breeds and unique agricultural landscapes that farmers in different parts of the world have created over centuries-whether they be rice terraces in South-East Asia or vineyards in central and southern Europe. The varieties and breeds that have been bred over generations and the landscapes on which they have left their mark are the cultural inheritance of future generations. At the same time they form a resource base of great value for our future food security.

Diversity is a form of touristic capital that，correctly used，benefits both the entire tourism sector and related aspects of the economy-such as manufacturers of local food specialities or producers of craftwork.