Rice paddies

A rice paddy is a piece of land that is flooded and used for growing rice. It may or may not be terraced. Other crops besides rice are also grown on terraces. However, rice cultivation is unique in terms of its water management, altitude and methods.

Rice paddies are found in many countries in the East and South, but they can also be found in Europe, such as in the Camargue region of France or in Piedmont, Italy.

The terraced rice fields of Asia, the result of centuries of work, transform the mountainsides into true works of art. Beyond their beauty, they combine agricultural practices, ecological preservation and ancestral traditions.

Terraces allow rice to be grown on steep slopes, maximising land use and preserving water resources. Their architecture varies from region to region, as it is based on the terrain and local cultural traditions. They are inseparable from sustainable natural resource management, but they are fragile ecosystems that have to cope with climate change and the influx of tourists.

Terraced rice fields are home to rich biodiversity: fish, amphibians, insects and birds. In Bali, for example, around a hundred species of plants coexist with rice. They contribute to the conservation of traditional varieties, which are better adapted to local conditions and more resistant to disease. This is a real asset for food security.

The history of the Hani people of Hongh, whose colours inspired these creations, stretches back nearly 1,200 years. Seen from the sky, their colours vary with the seasons and are always stunning. They have been listed as World Heritage Sites. For now, this series of six, completed between March and October 2020, is finished, but I do not rule out working again with the colours of these landscapes, modified by man and sustainably inscribed in nature.

Sources: Wikipedia, holiday travel guide.