China's list of Heritage Irrigation Structures grew to 19 during the 70th International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) held in Bali, Indonesia, on September 4.

The Hetao Irrigation Area of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Qianjinbei in Jiangxi Province have been added to ICID's World Heritage Irrigation Structures list.

Hetao Irrigation Area is located in Bayannur City. It's an example of sandy rivers being diverted for irrigation of the Yellow River area – an important grain-producing area and ecological barrier in Inner Mongolia. Located along the Fu River in Jiangxi Province, to date, Qianjinbei Irrigation System is China's largest dry masonry river guidance project.

The development of irrigation projects in China supports the historical development of Chinese civilization. The Heritage Irrigation Structures are important parts of Chinese cultural heritage.

The ICID is a leading scientific, technical, international not-for-profit, non-governmental organization. The main mission is to promote "sustainable agricultural water management" to achieve a "water secure world free of poverty and hunger through sustainable rural development."

(Cover image via VCG)