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Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

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The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are agroecosystems inhabited by communities that live in an intricate relationship with their territory. These evolving sites are resilient systems characterized by remarkable agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, invaluable cultures and landscapes, sustainably managed by farmers, herders, fisherfolk, and forest people in ways that contribute to their livelihoods and food security. Through the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has designated 89 systems in 28 countries.

Explore our agricultural heritage around the world by country, topic, and more—or search the map to discover each unique system:

Latest
China GIAHS Meeting
News
China hosts historic global gathering on agricultural heritage through FAO’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation
04/11/2024

20 countries gather in China for the first global exchange on agricultural heritage and sustainability. 

News
FAO holds first meeting with newly appointed GIAHS advisory group
28/10/2024

The SAG kicks off with new discussions on potential agricultural heritage systems.

News
Three new sites recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)
20/09/2024

A unique  carp pond farming system in Austria, an agroforestry system cultivating salak, or snake fruit in Bali, Indonesia and the Cocoa...

Agricultural heritage systems by region
Latest events
Stories
Feature story
Keeping food histories alive
17/04/2018
Video
Video
What does GIAHS mean?
02/09/2024

Discovering the Programme and its role in preserving agricultural heritage.

Photo gallery
Publications
Publication
Twenty years of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Success stories of dynamic conservation for sustainable rural development.

Publication
Guidelines for making a GIAHS Proposal document

Best practices for developing successful agricultural heritage applications.

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