Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

Context: 6 new sites join FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

About Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

• Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are agroecosystems where communities maintain a deep and intricate relationship with their natural environment.
• These are dynamic and resilient agricultural systems that evolve over time.

Key Characteristics

• Remarkable Agrobiodiversity: Includes a variety of crops, livestock, and ecosystems
  • All components function in ecological harmony.
• Traditional Knowledge: Encompasses long-standing agricultural practices and wisdom.
  • Passed down through generations.
• Invaluable Cultures: Reflects rich cultural heritage.
  • Traditions are intimately connected with the landscape and farming methods.
• Beautiful Landscapes: Features visually striking and ecologically significant landscapes.
  • Shaped by sustained human-nature interaction.

GIAHS Programme

• Origin: Initiated in 2002 during the World Summit for Sustainable Development.
• Rationale: Developed as a response to rising global threats facing family farmers and traditional agricultural systems.

Objective

To safeguard traditional farming practices and family-based agriculture from:

• Climate change
• Biodiversity degradation
• Community displacement

Key Approach

• Multi-stakeholder Engagement: Brings together various actors to support farming communities.
• Technical Assistance: Provides direct support to enhance the resilience of local agricultural practices.
• Knowledge Promotion: Encourages recognition and preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge and techniques.
• Market Development: Facilitates new opportunities, like:
  • Marketing of traditional farm products
  • Agro-tourism
  • Local economic development

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