More than 20 scholars from 10 countries and regions gathered at South China Agricultural University in Guangzhou from October 26 to October 28 to discuss the links between time, agriculture, cultural diversity and sustainable development.
During the conference, the university signed a letter of intent with the International Council for Philosophy and Human Sciences (CIPSH), a UNESCO organization, to promote cooperation in agricultural civilization, the history of science and technology and interdisciplinary research.
Keynote speakers examined topics ranging from the evolution of agricultural villages to the relevance of traditional Chinese farming knowledge to ecological agriculture. Other presentations explored time perception in ancient China, agriculture in ancient Egypt and the relationship between technological development and humanity's future.
Li Fengliang, a leader of the university, said he hoped the conference would offer an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and bring research on Lingnan's agricultural heritage into wider global discussions.
CIPSH President Luiz Oosterbeek said knowledge shaped by farming seasons and natural cycles offers an important perspective on cultural diversity. He expressed hope that the conference would foster closer cooperation between CIPSH and Chinese research institutions.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Photos | South China Agricultural University
