Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

GLOBALLY IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS Combining agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, traditional farming practices and cultural identity GIAHS

CONTENTS

PAGE 4-5 INTRODUCTION

PAGE 6-7 KEY MESSAGES

PAGE 8-9 A BRIEF HISTORY OF GIAHS

PAGE 10-12 MAIN FEATURES OF GIAHS SITES

PAGES 13-14 DYNAMIC CONSERVATION PAGE 15– 43 THE GIAHS GIAHS AROUND THE WORLD PROGRAMME 16-17 LOCATION OF GIAHS SITES WORLDWIDE RECOGNIZES THE 18-19 ALGERIA GHOUT SYSTEM 20-21 CHINA HANI RICE TERRACES PROUDEST 22-23 CHINA DONG’S RICE FISH DUCK SYSTEM TRADITIONS 24-25 ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN QANAT IRRIGATED AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS 26-27 JAPAN MINABE-TANABE UME SYSTEM OF HUMAN 28-29 JAPAN TRADITIONAL WASABI CULTIVATION IN SHIZUOKA INGENUITY IN 30-31 KENYA AND TANZANIA OLDONYONOKIE/OLKERI AND ENGARESERO MAASAI PASTORALIST HERITAGE AREA HARNESSING 32-33 MEXICO CHINAMPA AGRICULTURE 34-35 PERU ANDEAN AGRICULTURE PRECIOUS 36-37 REPUBLIC OF KOREA TRADITIONAL GUDEULJANG IRRIGATED RICE TERRACES RESOURCES TO 38-39 SPAIN THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF VALLE SALADO DE AÑANA 40-41 SRI LANKA THE CASCADED TANK-VILLAGE SYSTEM IN THE DRY ZONE PROVIDE FOOD 42-43 UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA SHIMBWE JUU KIHAMBA AGRO-FORESTRY HERITAGE SITE AND LIVELIHOODS PAGES 44-47 GIAHS AND GLOBAL ISSUES AND PROTECT UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS.

Cover photo: CHINA - Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem. ©George Steinmetz 2 MOROCCO Oases System in Atlas Mountains. ©George Steinmetz

3 GIAHS

INTRODUCTION

GIAHS sites are testament to the intricate relationships human beings have with their unique territory, cultural and agricultural landscapes and their wider social environment. GLOBALLY THE PHILIPPINES IMPORTANT Ifugao rice terraces. AGRICULTURAL ©FAO/Lena Gubler

HERITAGE For centuries, farmers, world, they sustainably provide SYSTEMS (GIAHS) herders, fishers and foresters multiple goods and services, food have developed diverse and and livelihood security for millions PROVIDE FOOD locally adapted agricultural of small-scale farmers. systems managed with time- AND LIVELIHOOD tested, ingenious techniques. Through a remarkable process of These practices have resulted coevolution of humankind and SECURITY FOR in a vital combination of nature, such sites have emerged social, cultural, ecological and over centuries of cultural and MILLIONS OF economic services to humankind. biological interactions and “Globally Important Agricultural synergies, representing the THE WORLD’S Heritage Systems” (GIAHS) are accumulated experiences of rural POOR AND outstanding landscapes of aesthetic people. Unfortunately, these beauty that combine agricultural agricultural systems are threatened SMALL-SCALE biodiversity, resilient ecosystems by many factors including climate and a valuable cultural heritage. change and increased competition FARMERS. Located in specific sites around the for natural resources. They are

4 also dealing with migration due to mitigate the threats faced by potentially many more to follow. to low economic viability, which farmers as well as enhance the GIAHS sites are testimony to has resulted in traditional farming benefits derived by these systems. the inventiveness and ingenuity practices being abandoned and Through multi-stakeholder of people in their management endemic species and breeds support, this approach aims to: of resources, biodiversity and being lost. provide technical assistance; ecosystem dynamics, and use of boost understanding of the value landscapes, codified in traditional In recognition of these global of keeping alive sustainable but evolving knowledge, practices threats to family farming and agricultural knowledge; and and technologies. These ancestral traditional agricultural systems, promote agricultural products, agricultural systems constitute the 16 years ago FAO launched agro-tourism and other foundation for contemporary and the GIAHS Programme. incentive mechanisms and future agricultural innovations Aiming to strike a balance market opportunities. and technologies. Their cultural, between conservation, sustainable ecological and agricultural diversity adaptation and socioeconomic There are currently 52 is still evident in many parts of development, the GIAHS GIAHS-designated sites in 21 the world, maintained as unique Programme helps identify ways countries around the world, with systems of agriculture.

5 GIAHS KEY MESSAGES

Traditional agricultural systems are extremely important for sustaining livelihoods, maintaining rural communities, preserving knowledge, and protecting fragile landscapes and agrobiodiversity.

 For centuries, traditional agricultural systems provided food for many family farmers living in rural areas around the world. Today, they are also being increasingly recognized for sustaining livelihoods and maintaining local agrobiodiversity, fragile landscapes, traditional knowledge, and farmers’ identity and culture.

 Thanks to years of experience and knowledge, farmers in GIAHS sites have developed

6 sustainable agricultural practices to manage and use natural resources effectively. This knowledge offers examples of high resilience and precious agroecological techniques that can help agriculture adapt to ever-changing social, environmental and economic conditions.

 The unique legacy and FACTORS heritage that GIAHS sites have THREATENING to offer is an example of harmony between humans and their TRADITIONAL unique ecosystems in the context of sustainable development. AGRICULTURAL

 Peoples’ know-how and the SYSTEMS richness of biodiversity come together in GIAHS to achieve INCLUDE the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources UNSUSTAINABLE and ecosystems. MODELS OF  GIAHS sites bring together AGRICULTURE, the economic, social and environmental dimensions at DRAMATIC LOSS the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. OF LOCAL

 Small-scale and family farmers VARIETIES AND are the backbone of many GIAHS sites and can offer real solutions BREEDS, LAND CHINA for achieving food security and Zhejiang Huzhou ACCESS PRESSURE ending poverty by maintaining Mulberry-dyke & fish-pond system. rural communities, preserving AND CLIMATE ©Jianyi Dai knowledge, and protecting fragile landscapes and agrobiodiversity. CHANGE.

7 GIAHS A BRIEF HISTORY OF GIAHS

Since its inception in 2002, the GIAHS Programme has built a strong local and international reputation in the fields of agricultural heritage and agricultural development.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Al Ain and Liwa Historical Date Palm Oases. ©George Steinmetz

ORIGINS OF GIAHS implemented with partners In response to global trends and in consultation with local undermining family agriculture communities and relevant OVER THE LAST and traditional agricultural stakeholders to assist member systems, in 2002, during the countries in identifying and DECADE, THE World Summit on Sustainable conserving GIAHS sites. NUMBER OF Development in Johannesburg, Projects carried out in 2008–14 South Africa, FAO launched a resulted in the designation DESIGNATED Global Partnership Initiative on of the first eight GIAHS the conservation and adaptive sites in six pilot countries: GIAHS SITES management of GIAHS. Algeria, Chile, China, Peru, the Philippines and Tunisia, HAS INCREASED EXPANSION OF GIAHS with other proposals from Since 2002, many global or the same period resulting in TO 52. country projects have been subsequent designations.

8 To enhance the capacity of At the national level, GIAHS In recent years, the GIAHS countries and to raise awareness of has contributed to the adoption Programme has gained the GIAHS concept, international, of policies that integrate traction globally. It has been regional and national conferences, agricultural heritage into specifically referenced at high- seminars, and training courses agricultural development level conferences where food were organized, including an programmes. In this way, security and agriculture have International GIAHS Forum in it has been influential in been discussed, such as the Rome, Italy (2006); Buenos Aires, promoting the sustainable G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Argentina (2009); Beijing, China use of biodiversity and meetings and the UN General (2011); and Noto, Japan (2013). genetic resources for food and Assembly in 2016.* agriculture, the protection *[G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting Communiqué As a result, the number of of traditional knowledge 3 June 2016; Fourth APEC Ministerial Meeting on designated GIAHS sites increased, systems, culture and, more Food security, 27 September 2016; G20 Ag Ministers bringing added recognition to both importantly, creating a bridge to Action Plan 2017; UNGA Resolution 72/238, 20 the sites and the programme. a sustainable future. December 2017]

9 GIAHS MAIN FEATURES OF GIAHS SITES

From food and livelihood security to landscape and seascape features, there are five major criteria which must be addressed in every GIAHS proposal.

In developing the GIAHS Programme, several important aspects were taken into account to help profile the sites, such as natural, topographic and climate conditions. The main features consist of “Historical and CHILE contemporary relevance” and five Chiloé Agriculture. selection criteria detailed below. ©FAO/Liana John

ONE OF THE  Historical relevance Every GIAHS site has its own contribute to human well-being MAIN GIAHS unique story of development. and quality of life and to generate CRITERIA IS TO Historical relevance can other local, national and global demonstrate how the site has economic and environmental ENSURE FOOD adapted to the surrounding goods and services to its environment over time and how community and wider society. SECURITY farmers have developed specific This relates to the relevance of knowledge and techniques to an agricultural system/site to FOR LOCAL form the current landscapes global or national policy and and systems. to sustainable development POPULATIONS challenges, most prominently  Contemporary relevance achieving food security, human IN TRADITIONAL The contemporary relevance of a well-being and environmental AGRICULTURAL site is established by its present goals, such as climate adaptation, and future capacity to provide carbon sequestration, and water, SYSTEMS. food and livelihood security, to land and biodiversity conservation.

10  Agricultural systems of ecological functions of crops that contribute to food and animals, to overcome their and livelihood security geographically, topographically and The farmers in GIAHS sites environmentally disadvantageous have gradually developed and conditions. As a result of these established productive, efficient, farmers’ long-term efforts, unique resilient and sustainable local agriculture still maintains its production systems through significance in the rural community skillful resource management, as it provides livelihoods and diversified crop production, and contributes to food security by optimization of mutual benefits ensuring stable food supply.

SELECTION CRITERIA production, and optimization of biodiversity displayed at field Five features determine the the mutual benefits of ecological and landscape levels in the “Global Importance” of a site and functions of crops and animals form of rotations, polycultures are used as selection criteria when to overcome disadvantageous and/or agroforestry patterns. assessing the suitability for the conditions. As a result of these Indeed, agrobiodiversity is the designation of a GIAHS site. long-term efforts, unique local result of a long domestication agriculture still maintains its process from endemic and wild  Agricultural systems significance in the rural community, species together with a selection that contribute to food as it provides livelihoods and process of the most adapted and and livelihood security contributes to food security by resistant varieties. This is the result The farmers in GIAHS sites ensuring stable food supply. of attempts by farmers over time have gradually developed and to minimize the risk of crop failure established productive, efficient,  Rich and unique by conserving and growing several resilient and sustainable production agrobiodiversity species and varieties of crops to systems through skilful resource GIAHS sites often reflect rich stabilize yields, promote dietary management, diversified crop and globally unique agricultural and nutritional diversity and

11 GIAHS

MAIN FEATURES OF GIAHS SITES

maximize outputs and ecosystem systems developed over time, term human interactions have services with limited resources. so did the social organizations, led to rich cultural and This strategy of promoting genetic value systems and cultural landscape diversity, as well diversity provides security to practices that became part as sustainable land and water farmers against diseases, pests, of the resource management management systems. droughts and other stresses. practices and food production technologies used in the NATIONAL SYSTEMS  Traditional knowledge agricultural systems. This has led TO SUPPORT GIAHS and technologies to the close association of social Some countries (Chile, China, Indigenous peoples and family organizations and cultural values Ecuador, Japan, the Republic of farmers living in GIAHS sites with the entire management of Korea) have established national often possess a broad knowledge agricultural resources and the systems to support GIAHS base underlying the intricacies operation of agricultural systems. activities, for example Nationally of local and complex ecological These social organizations Important Agricultural Heritage systems. This knowledge of embedded in rural communities Systems (NIAHS) or similar plants, animals, soils and the have also contributed to the national systems such as a general environment has been transfer of traditional knowledge traditional agricultural landscapes accumulated through a long to the next generation. registry (Italy). In some cases, series of observations transmitted Thus, cultural identity and sense countries have also established from generation to generation. of place are ingrained in the a National GIAHS Committee, Farmers are aware that biological agricultural sites. composed of relevant ministries to diversity is a crucial factor in promote collaboration on national generating ecological services  Remarkable landscapes GIAHS activities. and in conserving the resource and seascapes stemming base and foods on which they from ingenious systems and MULTIFACETED NATURE OF depend. In many cases women technologies of land and water GIAHS AND RELEVANCE TO are the main holders of traditional management OTHER FAO PROGRAMMES AND knowledge and thus play a Many generations of farmers ACTIVITIES critical role in the sustainable have worked on the natural The GIAHS Initiative was conservation and utilization environment to produce endorsed as an FAO corporate of biodiversity. agricultural products. For this programme at the 39th purpose, they have converted FAO Conference in 2015.  Strong cultural values hills, mountains, forests, The programme contributes and collective forms of wetlands, and natural water flows directly to FAO’s Strategic social organizations and into excellent food production Framework, especially to make value systems for resource systems such as rice terraces, agriculture, forestry and fisheries management and knowledge orchard terraces, irrigation more productive and sustainable, transmission networks, grasslands and mixed and supports many FAO As specific types of agricultural cropping systems. These long- programmes and activities.

12 DYNAMIC CONSERVATION

Dynamic conservation relies on the active participation of all core stakeholder groups, in particular local communities in the traditional agricultural systems.

IMPORTANCE OF submitted to FAO with the DYNAMIC CONSERVATION proposal document during Traditional agricultural systems the evaluation process for a are threatened by a range of GIAHS site. challenges including urbanization, social and economic changes, The responsibility of neglect, inappropriate policy and implementing an action plan lies lack of incentives. Through the with all stakeholders, including recognition of an official GIAHS GIAHS site communities, local designation, the programme and national governments, ACTION PLANS aims to enhance awareness of the relevant NGOs and researchers. values and associated benefits of ARE IMPORTANT such agricultural systems and to The recommended items in the promote all necessary actions to action plan should be based BECAUSE THEY achieve dynamic conservation. on an analysis of threats and OUTLINE HOW challenges and include detailed Dynamic conservation involves descriptions of the policies, PROPONENTS OF not only conservation, but also strategies, actions and outcomes the adaptive management and which are already under A NEW GIAHS sustainable development of implementation and/or will be GIAHS sites with the participation newly implemented with the SITE INTEND TO of all major stakeholders, availing following information: of a wide range of policy tools ENSURE implemented by government, • identification and analysis of threats private and voluntary sectors, and challenges, including socioeconomic DYNAMIC and academia. pressures and environmental changes to the CONSERVATION continuity of the existence, sustainability AN ACTION PLAN FOR and viability of the system; GOING DYNAMIC CONSERVATION • proposed policies, strategies and actions An Action Plan for Dynamic and how they will respond to the threats FORWARD. Conservation needs to be as described;

13 GIAHS

DYNAMIC CONSERVATION

INDIA Koraput Traditional Agriculture. ©FAO/M.S. Swaminathan

• how the policies, strategies and actions will contribute to the dynamic conservation of MAIN COMPONENTS the proposed GIAHS site; • how multi-stakeholders (including local OF A GIAHS ACTION PLAN communities) are involved in and support • Dissemination of GIAHS concepts and awareness-raising of the value of GIAHS sites the implementation of the action plan at • Establishing and/or strengthening the framework to implement the Action Plan local, national and international levels; • Better resource management and improved agricultural practices • how policies, strategies and actions can be • Regulations to manage development in and near the site used to leverage funding and/or mobilize resources at the local, national and/or • Management of agrobiodiversity, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use international level; and • Marketing and promotion of agricultural products from the sites • how monitoring and evaluation of • Promotion of agro-tourism, eco-tourism, cultural activities and local cuisine the progress and the effect of the • Involvement of local famers in decision making process implementation of the action plan will • Empowerment of women in the rural community be undertaken.

14 GIAHS AROUND THE WORLD

As of the beginning of July 2018 there are 52 GIAHS sites in 21 countries. Six GIAHS sites are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites are listed below with their years of official designation by GIAHS and UNESCO:

• CHINA – Hani Rice Terraces (2010)/Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (2013) • IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF) – Qanat Irrigated Agricultural Heritage Systems of Kashan, Isfahan Province (2014)/The Persian Qanat (2016) • PHILIPPINES – Ifugao Rice Terraces (2011)/Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (1995) • REPUBLIC OF KOREA – Jeju Batdam Agricultural System (2014)/Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (2007) • UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Al Ain and Liwa Historical Date Palm Oases (2015)/Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas) (2011) • UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA – Engaresero Maasai Pastoralist Heritage Area (2011)/Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1979)

15 GIAHS LOCATION OF GIAHS SITES WORLDWIDE

SPAIN ITALY PORTUGAL ISLAMIC REPUBLIC MOROCCO TUNISIA OF IRAN ALGERIA EGYPT UNITED ARAB MEXICO EMIRATES

KENYA UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

PERU

CHILE

The designations employed and the presentation of material in the map(s) do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal or constitutional status of any country, territory or sea area, or concerning the delimitation of frontiers.

16 COUNTRY GIAHS SITE YEAR ALGERIA Ghout System (Oases of the Maghreb) 2011 BANGLADESH Floating Garden Agricultural Practices 2015 CHILE Chiloé Agriculture 2011 Rice Fish Culture 2005 Wannian Traditional Rice Culture 2010 Hani Rice Terraces 2010 Dong’s Rice Fish Duck System 2011 Pu’er Traditional Tea Agrosystem 2012 Aohan Dryland Farming System 2012 Kuajishan Ancient Chinese Torreya 2013 CHINA Urban Agricultural Heritage – Xuanhua Grape Garden 2013 Jiaxian Traditional Chinese Date Gardens 2014 Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem 2014 Fuzhou Jasmine and Tea Culture System 2014 Diebu Zhagana Agriculture-Forestry-Animal Husbandry Composite System 2017 Zhejiang Huzhou Mulberry-dyke & Fish-pond System 2017 Traditional Mulberry System in Xiajin’s Ancient Yellow River Course 2018 Rice Terraces in Southern Mountainous and Hilly Areas 2018 EGYPT Dates production System in Siwa Oasis 2016 Saffron Heritage of Kashmir 2011 INDIA Koraput Traditional Agriculture 2012 Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System 2013 JAPAN IRAN (Islamic Republic of) Qanat Irrigated Agricultural Heritage Systems, Kashan 2014 CHINA ITALY REPUBLIC Olive groves of the slopes between Assisi and Spoleto 2018 OF KOREA Noto’s Satoyama and Satoumi 2011 Sado’s Satoyama in Harmony with Japanese Crested Ibis 2011 Managing Aso Grasslands for Sustainable Agriculture 2013 BANGLADESH INDIA PHILIPPINES Traditional Tea-grass Integrated System in Shizuoka 2013 Kunisaki Peninsula Usa Integrated Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries System 2013 JAPAN Ayu of the Nagara River System 2015 Minabe-Tanabe Ume System 2015 SRI LANKA Takachihogo-Shiibayama Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry System 2015 Osaki Kodo’s traditional water management system for sustainable paddy 2017 Nishi-Awa Steep Slope Land Agriculture System 2018 Traditional WASABI Cultivation in Shizuoka 2018 KENYA Oldonyonokie/Olkeri Maasai Pastoralist Heritage 2011 MEXICO Chinampas Agricultural System in Mexico City 2017 MOROCCO Oases System in Atlas Mountains (Oases of the Maghreb) 2011 PERU Andean Agriculture 2011 PHILIPPINES Ifugao Rice Terraces 2011 PORTUGAL Barroso Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral System 2018 Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces in Cheongsando 2014 REPUBLIC Jeju Batdam Agricultural System 2014 OF KOREA Traditional Hadong Tea Agrosystem in Hwagae-myeon 2017 Geumsan Traditional Ginseng Agricultural System 2018 Malaga Raisin Production System in Axarquia 2017 SPAIN Salt production system of Añana 2017 SRI LANKA The Cascaded Tank-Village System in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka 2017 TUNISIA Gafsa Oases (Oases of the Maghreb) 2011 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Al Ain and Liwa Historical Date Palm Oases 2015 UNITED Engaresero Maasai Pastoralist Heritage Area 2011 REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA17 Shimbue Juu Kihamba Agroforestry Heritage Site 2011 ©George Steinmetz biodiversity that is threatened with disappearance. isbiodiversity that threatened rich local the safeguard and people of local needs the to respond to farmers has allowed the system in regionsoccurs many in other world. the This silting, of sand resource in management the which aprecious also be could here used techniques and habits.life knowledge The culture food and oasis on based agrobiodiversity local and adapted has It an traditional on relying only knowledge. self-sufficient, and issystem independent mostly In short, this sustainable non-irrigated and oasis visual quality. and their taste for fame enjoyedhave particular by this produced varieties system local of dates the centuries of two their fruits. than more for Indeed, conservation long offering and context Saharan varietieslocal of palms, the to highly adapted 26 to up Overall, different gathers system ghout the a precious in region. wild the eco-habitat species for represents in desert the of shelters such presence The ghout. the protect and tables water detect how to –“wind Remmala of the engineers” know –who traditional the to knowledge thanks reduced be can is silting, main sand of the issues in desert the which winds. Saharan violent the from one Indeed, trees the is ghout shelter main of the to function other The of irrigation drastically and reducing evaporation. table, of awater avoiding top the palms on any kind isobjective of plant shaping crater to aprofound Thus, reserve. of awater the top the on located naturally. ground is of aghout always bottom The ghout the shape to of turbulence a phenomenon dug, be to strong wind provokes crater of the edge organized in circular leaves palm lines the along dry of of poles made installationThrough the of fences winds. of desert force the and using speed the sand into dug the acrater isA ghout effectively Trans-Saharan roads. the in resources aregion off scarce water and winds violent face to century since fifteenth the non-irrigated oasis Ghout, called system adapted a developed have Souf El from Oued farmers The SYSTEM GHOUT ALGERIA

18 19 20 21 counties covering an area of about 70 000 hectares. 70 hectares. counties covering of about area an 000 remarkable landscape for over 1 300 years. of over 1300 One for landscape remarkable of the Honghe Ailao mountain and spread over four over Ailao four mountain spread and Honghe of the forest, village, terrace and river compose the typical forest, typical the village, river and compose terrace protection and conservation, all and show aharmoniousprotection are is reservoirs, no supply abundant. yet water The ecological landscape of the Hani Rice of the Terraces. landscape ecological The terraces are mainly distributed along the south part are part mainly south distributed the terraces along the best examples of farmers’ examples best in wisdom the China, the main minority group – have built these spectacular main built group spectacular –have minority these a unique, simple, manner efficient and economical that has provided a guarantee for the sustainable the for has provided aguarantee that agricultural and natural wonders and lived and agricultural in wonders natural and this Hani utilize and manage local water resources in resources Hani water utilize local manage and above the villages are villages flourishing the above just and forests The HaniThe are villages built mountainsides: the on It isIt in Hani Rice amazing the that Terraces there technologies, their selection of the settlement site settlement of the theirtechnologies, selection Hani Prefecture, Yi and Autonomous which is in People from various from People minorities –Hani being the and theirand traditional environmental customs for the southeast part of China’s part southeast the Yunnan Province. The Hani theirThe people, indigenous agricultural Hani Rice Terraces are located in the Honghe Hani Rice in Honghe Terraces the are located relationship between humans themselves and and humans themselves relationship between HANI RICEHANI below are the terraces themselves. TERRACES between humans nature. and between operation of the system. of the operation ©FAO/Min Qingwen CHINA

Congjiang county is located in Qiangdongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou, China, in vast mountain areas. The county has several ethnic minorities, including Miao, Dong, Yao, Zhuang and Shui.

The Rice-Fish-Duck system has a long history with strong local characteristics in Congjiang county. It is a unique mode of production and land use by Dong people based on long-term exploration under limited natural conditions. Growing rice and rearing fish and ducks at the same time in paddies creates an excellent ecosystem that is beneficial for ©FAO/Min Qingwen ©FAO/Min human-managed sustainable development. It is also an economic system combined within a virtuous eco-cycle, in which many traditional methods of farming and folk customs are harboured.

This approach effectively saves land resources and achieves a natural three-dimensional agriculture by relieving the tension between humankind and nature, providing multiple goods and services. Thus, despite the influence of modern economic and societal change, where traditional values can fade away, this excellent traditional agricultural system can help in confronting many contemporary threats and challenges.

22 ©FAO/Min Qingwen ©FAO/Min ©FAO/ Liang Quankang 23 ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN QANAT IRRIGATED AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS

The Qanat Irrigated Agricultural Heritage Systems are uniquely designed, demonstrating a close relationship between nature, culture, and the surrounding environment, as well as underlying sustainability and productivity principles.

These underground tunnels following aquifers in surrounding mountain areas have facilitated the collecting of water from different layers of earth to grow food, plants and trees. The local population has been socially and culturally depending on Qanat uses since early 800 BCE so that the Qanat has come to be considered a living member of the community.

This system has contributed to the enrichment of the landscape in the Kashan region, saving it from becoming a desert. Indeed, Qanat irrigation has created and maintained the most beautiful farms and gardens, which could otherwise be threatened by over-pumping in the deep aquifers.

©George Steinmetz ©George Steinmetz ©George

24 25 26 JAPAN MINABE-TANABE UME SYSTEM

As both food and medicine, ume (Prunus mume) have been a highly valued crop in Japan for about 1 300 years. Pickled ume, called “umeboshi”, keep well and have excellent medicinal effects including food- poisoning prevention and recovery from fatigue – they are consumed on a daily basis as a Japanese side dish.

The Minabe-Tanabe ume system is a unique system that has sustainably produced high-quality ume by making use of slopes with rudaceous soil, which is poor in nutrients. The system is responsible for more than half of Japan’s total ume production and its yield per unit area is almost twice that of Japan’s other ume-producing districts. Further, the system also has outstanding ume varieties as a result of the continuous effort of the local people to improve varieties over the centuries.

To make a living with soils that are not suitable for usual kinds of agriculture, about 400 years ago local people started cultivating ume, which can be produced even under these conditions. They have also maintained mixed forests as coppice forests near ume orchards and along the ridges of steep slopes. In this way, people in the region have endowed the system with functions including watershed conservation, nutrient replenishment, and slope collapse prevention, thereby sustaining ume production.

In the coppice forests, honeybees help pollinate the ume trees, and the ume aid honeybee propagation in the early spring – when few flowers are blooming – by providing them with valuable nectar. The coppice forests provide not only habitat for honeybees but also wood for a prime grade of charcoal that is produced in the area and highly appreciated in Japan. The coppice forests are managed by a selective-cutting method of coppice forest management that is not found in other places and can regenerate the trees quickly.

Sustainable agriculture and livelihoods are considered important in the world, and this GIAHS site is a model that embodies them. ©GIAHS Secretariat

27 JAPAN TRADITIONAL WASABI CULTIVATION IN SHIZUOKA

Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) is a native Japanese plant of the Brassicaceae family that has been highly prized in Japan since ancient times for the sharp flavour produced when its stems are grated. The Shizuoka region is the origin of worldwide wasabi cultivation, which is believed to have begun approximately 400 years ago, during the Keicho era (1596–1615) in the Aoi district of Shizuoka City.

The traditional cultivation method results in the production of large stems, little crop damage from disease, and little danger of nutrient depletion from repeated cultivation that is so often seen in agriculture. Thus, it is a cultivation system with an extremely high degree of suitability for wasabi production. Further, wasabi fields in steep mountainous areas currently possess a structure that is resilient to natural disasters because these fields have high water-holding capacity, and they also function to protect downstream areas from flooding disasters.

©Shizuoka WASABI Association for Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Promotion ©Shizuoka WASABI Association for Important for Association WASABI ©Shizuoka Agricultural Heritage Systems Promotion

28 29 KENYA AND TANZANIA OLDONYONOKIE/ OLKERI AND ENGARESERO MAASAI PASTORALIST HERITAGE AREA

In southern Kenya and in Tanzania, Maasai have developed an agropastoral system over the centuries to adapt to scarce water supply and lack of grazing land availability. Maasai have succeeded in adapting the system to the surrounding environment and wildlife to satisfy both their own needs and the evolving needs of the cities nearby – instead of competing for resources they are functioning in synergy.

Their agropastoral system simultaneously integrates animals such as buffaloes, goats and sheep with endemic species and food plants such as maize and beans. Further, as the Maasai community is highly organized, they split core tasks such as grazing land research, water management, livestock movements, etc. To manage the needs of the animals and the community requires an important knowledge and understanding of nature and the climate in the region.

In this fragile environment, Maasai have skillfully shaped and maintained the landscapes through the ages in a way that is sustainable and respectful to wildlife. Thus, their agropastoral system must be preserved both to maintain the magnificence of the landscape linked to their unique identity and to keep their incredible knowledge about nature.

©FAO/David Boerma

The chinampas agricultural system is an articulated set of floating artificial islands built in a traditional way based on the oral transmission of the chinampera culture prevailing since Aztec times. The system has seen farmers turn non-cultivable lands into highly productive arable lands for growing plants and breeding cattle.

The knowledge and experience developed by the farmers through the centuries are at the heart of the agricultural productivity and ecological balance of the system. The chinampas are surrounded by canals, ditches and rows of "ahuejotes" (Salix Bonplandiana) – native willow species – that perform several functions, such as serving as fences for wind and insects, providing habitats for birds, and keeping the soil in the plots. The willow roots also protect the edges of the chinampas from erosion.

Faced with climatic contingencies such as frost or variation in rainfall, chinampera agriculture offers an example where agroecological intensification can co-exist with urban development and the revitalization of heritage through linking social networks to develop technological strategies and promote solidarity and a sense of community. The chinampas are a symbol of Mexican identity and a source of pride for farmers who benefit from the system to supply the city.

Andean agriculture is one of the best examples of the adaptation and knowledge of farmers to their environment over the last 5 000 years or more. Actual presence of indigenous agricultural knowledge includes terraces, ridge fields, local irrigation systems and traditional agricultural tools, crops and livestock spread at different altitudes.

Multi-millennial experiences and selection have led to the domestication of a lot of endemic species such as potatoes and quinoa. Added to that, local knowledge has led to the development of three main agricultural systems, each one related to altitude: the maize area (2 800–3 300 metres), the potato area (3 300–3 800 metres) and the livestock area with high altitude

©FAO/ Alipio Canahua ©FAO/ crops such as quinua and cañihua (3 800–4 500 metres). At each altitude band, native selected crops are cultivated.

Indigenous communities also form a strong social organization with their own norms and cultural rituals – such as the tribute to the Pachamama (mother earth) – leading both to sustainable practices and solidarity. Indeed, a strengthening sense of identity is probably one of the main goals to be achieved through agriculture here.

As these areas maintain most of the ancient traditional agricultural technologies, they should not be taken for granted – particularly in the current context where migration of younger people to the forest or towns may lead to a severe loss of knowledge and biodiversity. ©FAO/Liana John ©FAO/Liana John 34 ©FAO/ Alipio Canahua 35 REPUBLIC OF KOREA TRADITIONAL GUDEULJANG IRRIGATED RICE TERRACES

Between the sixteenth and the mid-twentieth centuries, unique rice paddies were constructed in Cheongsando Island combining soil and water management by re-engineering the natural environment in areas with disadvantageous conditions. The residents of the island not only constructed but have also maintained and managed Gudeuljangnon and the irrigation systems as a means of livelihood.

Gudeuljangnon are culverts constructed by stacking stones used as aqueducts in underground irrigation and drainage systems. This maximizes the usable area of the land by constructing the paddies above stacked rocks of various sizes, red mud and arable soil. By employing this technique, the farmers can adapt their water management to face droughts, converting paddies into dry lands.

Ultimately, this unique way of life is part of a very rich culture including typical cuisine, religions and songs related to agriculture. And despite fewer youths practising agriculture and urbanization of the island, the Gudeuljang system must be preserved to keep this unique water network alive. ©Wando county©Wando ©Wando county©Wando 36 37 38 SPAIN THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF VALLE SALADO DE AÑANA

Valle Salado is located in the town of Salinas de Añana (Alava, Basque Country), in northern Spain. It is crossed by two small rivers which join at the centre of the valley and sits on a giant salt bubble originating from a sea that disappeared millions of years ago.

Thanks to the existence of a geological phenomenon called a “diapir” and to the injection of fresh water into a reserve of old salt trapped in the soil, a number of salt water springs emerge at the highest part of the valley. This salt water is channeled by means of an ingenious gravity-driven system of canals to the wells and salt pans, where it evaporates to form salt.

The ancient cultivation techniques have been carefully preserved alongside the gradual introduction of changes required to preserve the livelihood of the local community, which nonetheless respect the basic conditions that experience has shown are the key to the system.

39 40 SRI LANKA THE CASCADED TANK-VILLAGE SYSTEM IN THE DRY ZONE OF SRI LANKA

The Cascaded Tank-Village System (CTVS) is described as a connected series of tanks organized within a micro-catchment of the dry zone landscape, storing, conveying and utilizing water from a sporadic rivulet. It is an ancient, widely used and unique traditional agriculture system mainly found in the dry zone of Sri ©NAICC Sri lanka Lanka. The system has evolved over a period of nearly two millennia. It provides water for irrigation, domestic purposes, animals and ecosystems.

The CTVS predominates over all other systems due to its expansive coverage, unique technology, sustainability, and resilience to natural disasters (such as droughts, epidemics, floods, cyclones, and external invasions), high biodiversity and many other beneficial characteristics. Indeed, this system has helped rural people in the dry zone of Sri Lanka to survive in isolation for several centuries of negligence due to unstable socio-political situations. ©NAICC Sri lanka

The Northern Upland Agroforestry system is characterized by a structural diversity, adopted by farmers to achieve higher efficiency of resource use by harvesting solar energy and using soil nutrients and moisture. It also helps to exploit the space, both temporally and spatially in order to meet the many demands of food, fodder, fuel, timber, organic mulch, and medicinal plants.

Growing a high diversity of crops and trees but also animals, the agroforestry system is highly integrated into its environment. It also participate in maintaining the soil fertility but mainly in regulating the water flow from Mount Kilimanjaro as a water tower for the region.

Satisfying the needs of local communities from the northern region of the United Republic of Tanzania, this system is nowadays threatened mainly due to land scarcity, population growth and migration of younger generations. Beyond its feeding role, this system is an example of synergy between humans, plants and animals in contributing towards keeping a sustainable environment.

43 GIAHS GIAHS AND GLOBAL ISSUES

GIAHS is globally recognized as being an The concept of agricultural important contributor to the UN Sustainable heritage sites so far is being embraced and even Development Goals and the Convention on mainstreamed at the policy Biological Diversity. level in several countries around the world. National GIAHS committees have been formed to encourage the agricultural GIAHS AND SDGS generating employment opportunities and heritage concept to become the The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable achieving SDG 8. Innovation and tradition have norm in national sustainable Development and the 17 merged, allowing youth to return to rural areas agricultural development policy Sustainable Development Goals to work with local farmers opening their own agendas in China, Japan, the (SDGs) were adopted in September agricultural heritage product online shops. Republic of Korea, Tunisia, 2015 by the United Nations member • GIAHS in the United Republic of Tanzania was Madagascar and Mauritania. states. Food and agriculture are key instrumental in giving a voice to women and In Tunisia, a law was passed to to achieving the entire set of SDGs. including them in the decision-making processes conserve the genetic heritage Rural development and investment of the village, achieving gender equality (SDG 5). of the date palm and oasis in agriculture - crops, livestock, There is a special group in the United Republic ecosystems that became a forestry, fisheries and aquaculture of Tanzania called Mapendo (love), linked to GIAHS site in 2010. A charter – are powerful tools to end poverty the GIAHS site that promotes women’s access to of the oases to recognize oasis and hunger, and bring about financial services and small loans used to support agriculture as a cultural, social sustainable development. their families and invest in other agricultural and economic heritage was activities diversifying their livelihoods. also established. The GIAHS sites, with their • Many GIAHS countries have established integrated approach and explicit cooperatives and local associations to promote Acknowledgment of the recognition of multiple issues and the community-based dynamic conservation of valuable cultural treasure troves roles associated with agriculture, GIAHS sites. For instance, in Algeria four local these sites harbour is also are already contributing to associations were created with the objective of recognized in Kenya and the achieving a wide variety of SDGs: preserving local knowledge and culture related to United Republic of Tanzania, the Ghout system, by documenting and raising where pastoral heritage • After ten years of the designation of the Rice and awareness at various levels. museums were established for Fish Culture System in China in 2005, the price • The Engaresero Maasai Pastoralist site in the exhibition and transmission of of the rice produced in that area has doubled United Republic of Tanzania established a traditional knowledge. and the tourism income in Qingtian county also Community Based Organization to sustainably increased, as well contributing to achieving zero manage natural resources and livestock Each GIAHS possesses features hunger (SDG 2) and eliminating poverty (SDG 1). development in the village, promote tourism that serve as selection criteria • Various GIAHS sites in China have embraced new activities, and preserve and develop the that could have the potential technologies and work with the private sector indigenous knowledge and customary law of the to contribute to relevant SDGs, to promote their agricultural heritage products, Maasai community in the area. as follows.

GIAHS AND AGROECOLOGY According to the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE)1, “from a scientific and technical perspective, agroecology applies ecological concepts and principles to food and farming systems, focusing on the interactions between microorganisms, plants, animals, humans and the environment, to foster sustainable agriculture development in order to ensure food security and nutrition for all, now and in the future. GIAHS Criterion 1: promotes the conservation of terrestrial Today’s more transformative FOOD & LIVELIHOOD SECURITY and aquatic environments, combating visions of agroecology integrate • Sustainable agricultural systems for food climate change transdisciplinary knowledge, production and relevant economic activities for [SDG ⓭, SDG ⓮, SDG ⓯] farmers’ practices and social rural livelihood and associated decent work movements while recognizing [SDG ❶, SDG ❷, SDG ❽] GIAHS Criterion 4: their mutual interdependence”. • Use of biomass energy and reduced use of CULTURE, VALUE SYSTEMS chemical fertilizers, thereby reducing energy & SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS GIAHS sites are living examples footprint [SDG ❼] • Recognized role of women in preservation of the ecological concepts and • Encouragement of sustainable consumption of culture and social values could promote principles, such as diversity, and production of food in the GIAHS [SDG ⓬] equity in the use and access context-specific knowledge, culture to natural resources and food traditions, that have GIAHS Criterion 2: [SDG ❺, SDG ❿] been applied over centuries and AGROBIODIVERSITY • Integrated approach for dynamic conservation form the basis of agroecology. • Rich agrobiodiversity could lead to: alleviation through innovation which encourages One of the main pillars of of hunger, resilience to climate change, partnerships between rural and local GIAHS sites is their agricultural biodiversity conservation of its surrounding communities [SDG ❾, SDG ❿, SDG ⓱] biodiversity. Biodiversity for food terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems: [SDG ❷, and agriculture harnesses the SDG ❸, SDG ⓭, SDG ⓮, SDG ⓯] GIAHS Criterion 5: delivery of ecosystem services LANDSCAPE & SEASCAPE FEATURES such as pollination, soil-based GIAHS Criterion 3: • The ecological resilience of GIAHS ensures the ecosystem services and pest LOCAL & TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS provision of clean water and protects habitats control. There are many ways • The sustainable use of natural resources for terrestrial and aquatic life through traditional knowledge and practices [SDG ❻, SDG ⓭, SDG ⓮, SDG ⓯] 1 See http://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/en

45 GIAHS

GIAHS AND GLOBAL ISSUES

in which increasing the diversity of able to minimize crop failure indigenous technology as a key the biological components within and increase resilience through source of information on adaptive production systems can contribute diversifying varieties, increasing capacity for climate change. to sustainable production. use of drought-tolerant varieties, Agricultural biodiversity is the improving water management A number of concrete examples outcome of the interactions techniques, and adopting mixed of how the GIAHS sites adapt among ecosystems, varieties, cropping, agroforestry and other to climate change constitute breeds, genetic resources of crops, effective traditional adopting repositories of valuable resources livestock, trees or fish and the techniques. In addition, many for climate change adaptation. traditional knowledge and practices indigenous management practices accumulated through centuries. that reduce the impacts of climate 1. The floating gardens in Bangladesh are a good In these systems, farmers’ variation also incorporate wild and example of farmers developing solutions to face cultures and social involvement local varieties into the agricultural recurrent flooding, using invasive aquatic plants are important factors for the system and increase the temporal that are cut and used for building floating fields. continuity of traditions embedded and spatial diversity of crops 2. The Kihamba agroforestry system practised on in the systems. These traditional both at the field and landscape Mount Kilimanjaro in the United Republic of and unique agricultural systems level. In some areas where Tanzania relies on multi-layered crops (coffee, have resulted in well-balanced flooded water covers farmland bananas, taro, maize, etc.) cultivated under agroecological systems, the for many months, famers have endemic forest timbers which protect crops from variety of which reflect the created artificial floating farming heat and strong sunshine outside. This system diversity of agroecological beds from organic materials on also adopts traditional mulching practices to approaches according to natural, which vegetables are grown and maintain good soil conditions. socioeconomic and territorial harvested. Farmers have realized 3. The Chinampas system in Mexico and the contexts. Examples include: that agroforestry systems have Xinghua Duotian system in China are arable functions to create a microclimate lands built thanks to traditional knowledge in • Sea-forest-agriculture in Chiloé Island, Chile; to protect crops inside the system wetlands and flooded areas. Both systems are • Integrated aquaculture with silk worms and from the outside heat and strong very interesting examples of turning non- mulberry production system, China; sun. Some GIAHS sites have also cultivable lands into arable or pasturelands. • Shimbwe Juu Kihamba traditional agroforestry adopted good soil management People move from one field to another in boats in the United Republic of Tanzania; and practices, as well as various types of and practise fisheries activities in between. • Chinampas agricultural system in Mexico agricultural techniques that could 4. Oasis systems in North Africa and the Near East City, Mexico. lead to higher carbon sequestration, are used as a tool to combat desertification thus contributing to greenhouse and scarcity of water resource in arid regions. GIAHS AND CLIMATE CHANGE gas reduction. The three-layered, multi-crop systems’ Many GIAHS sites have withstood resilience is based on the cultivation of palm climate variability for centuries The ability of some GIAHS sites dates. The palm date cover mitigates climatic showing a remarkable ability to to adapt to climate fluctuations parameters such as temperature in the oasis, cope with the adverse impacts of and even mitigate climate change evapo-transpiration, maintenance of a water climate change. They have been underlines the need to re-evaluate reserve, reduction of soil salinity, etc.

46 5. Hani rice terraces in China highlight GIAHS sites’ resilience in the field. Between 2011 and THE WAY FORWARD – 2013 a severe drought occurred in this region devastating all the surrounding mono-crops and KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT modern agricultural production. The Hani rice Looking to the future, the GIAHS Programme should continue to disseminate the great terraces system, nonetheless, emerged from benefits arising from GIAHS sites and strengthen knowledge management in the the drought with little damage thanks to the following ways: traditional way of cultivating. Relying on hilltop 1. Provide support to member countries on how to craft a well-coordinated action forests and traditional water management, the plan and develop technical guidance to implement it. This should include advice rice paddy fields have survived. on actions and policies required for effective resource management, traditional 6. As mentioned going through the criteria, all knowledge management, conservation of valuable agrobiodiversity and of our sites can be considered as open genetic development of markets for local agricultural products. The sharing of experiences reserves of endemic, local and adapted varieties, and knowledge between GIAHS sites and experts in the field will be key. species and breeds. This agrobiodiversity will 2. Facilitate the monitoring of the implementation of GHIAS action plans, including be critically important when genetic adaptation evaluation of outcomes and proposals for corrective actions where necessary. cannot follow as fast as climatic changes do, often accompanied by pests and diseases. 3. Collect scientific evidence and objective data that support traditional knowledge and good agricultural practices in GIAHS sites. This will help in evaluating the current state of the sites and in spreading awareness of useful technologies to other GIAHS AND AGROBIODIVERSITY agricultural production areas. Agrobiodiversity – and genetic resources conservation – is one 4. Develop a mapping system of GIAHS sites to monitor land use changes. of the main pillars of the GIAHS Programme. It is increasingly recognized as being critically important for the development of farming systems that are Examples of dynamic With the increasing penetration climate resilient and pest conservation in action include: of the market economy into resistant, while also ensuring farmers in Chiloé Island in traditional farming communities a great variety of food diets. Chile and in Peru carrying out previously reliant on subsistent For official designation, the activities to conserve endemic agriculture, there is a threat that GIAHS programme therefore species of potatoes; local only high-demand agricultural expects candidate sites to traditions being used to conserve products will be cultivated, organize multi-stakeholder valuable varieties of dates in the with less-requested varieties dynamic conservation plans Oasis GIAHS sites in Tunisia, abandoned. In this sense, GIAHS for conserving, renewing Morocco, Algeria and the United has the potential to become and guaranteeing the on- Arab Emirates; and local farmers a model for protecting and going evolution of genetic maintaining endemic rice sustaining endemic varieties resources against different varieties resilient to drought in and species through dynamic environmental stresses. Hani rice terrace sites in China. conservation activities.

47 GIAHS designation not only for their historical historical for their not only designation GIAHS awarded are sites worldwide. The 21 countries in sites 52 GIAHS impressive to an risen quickly has number decade the Tunisia), and last but the over Phillipines the Peru, China, Chile, (Algeria, countries pilot six in weredesignated sites GIAHS eight Originally, character. and resilience biodiversity, in rich are that ecosystems create and landscapes of local features to unique adapt to the knowledge accumulated and practices farming on centuries-old rely systems These systems. farming traditional of outstanding management adaptive and conservation the to help in FAO by developed was Programme (GIAHS) Systems” Heritage Agricultural Important “Globally The farming practicesandculturalidentity AGRICULTURAL Combining agriculturalbiodiversity, resilient ecosystems, traditional resilient ecosystems,traditional IMPORTANT IMPORTANT GLOBALLY GLOBALLY HERITAGE HERITAGE SYSTEMS www.fao.org Development Goals, agroecology and agrobiodiversity. and agroecology Development Goals, UN Sustainable the as such issues global with in fits itself Programme how GIAHS the it outlines Finally, the world. around sites GIAHS magnificent of the of some examples presents and conservation’ ‘dynamic concept of the introduces It also designation. GIAHS for suitability when assessing used criteria selection main five the as well sites, as of GIAHS core features two the outlines publication this Programme, GIAHS of the history brief to and introduction ageneral With landscapes going forward. precious manage and preserve and livelihoods, protect food, provide able to sustainably are they prove that also they must heritage; incredible and significance