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.

Agrotourism for the conservation of agricultural diversity

Many people have become involved in the conservation of now rare farm animals and crop plants. Research and breeding institutes，charities，parks and botanical gardens work privately or on behalf of the state to secure agricultural diversity for the future. Not all these institutions are funded entirely by external sources；some must raise some or all of their funds themselves，and income from tourism is one of the means by which they do so.

However，the most important breeders and keepers of now rare farm animals and crop plants are still the farmers themselves. In developing countries，in particular，farmers make use of a large number of local plants and animals because they are well adapted to local conditions or because the farmers have no access to alternative seed or other animals. Some farmers，