GIAHS Side Event on the occasion of 14th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)
Rome, Italy, 18 April 2013
CGRFA and the GIAHS Initiative share the common goal of conserving biodiversity for food and agriculture and promoting its use in support of global food security and sustainable development, for present and future generations.
Over the past decade, FAO GIAHS Initiative has been piloting an innovative model for engaging communities, local and national governments in the adaptive management of agricultural heritage and conservation of system’s goods and services. It has served as learning laboratories for new ways to sustain nature’s bounty, ecosystems’ health, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and genetic resources for food and agriculture, protection of traditional knowledge system, culture, and more importantly, for building a bridge for the sustainable future.
The Side Event featured humanity’s agricultural heritage systems and their importance to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food security and nutrition, and in revitalization of rural communities.
PROGRAMME
Chair and Moderator: Mr. Pablo Eyzaguirre, Bioversity International
Welcome Remarks: Dr Árni M. Mathiesen, Officer-in-Charge, Natural Resources Management and Environment Department (NR)
Overview of GIAHS Initiative: Dr. Parviz Koohafkan, GIAHS Partnership Coordinator - GIAHS initiative
Keynote Address and Special Presentation:Dr. Xia Jingyuan, Minister Plenipotentiary, China Permanent Representation in Rome - GIAHS and its implementation in China
Presentations:
- Ms. Teresa Agüero, ODEPA, Chile: "Chiloé, a GIAHS site in the southern of South America"
- Mr. Taisuke Ono, Vice Governor, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan: "Managing the grasslands of Aso"
- Mrs. Eri Otu, Farmer from Minami-Aso village, Japan: "O2 Farm"
- Mr. Kenshin Miyamoto, Cook, Miyamoto, Japan: "Sustainable Food Culture"
Open Forum and Discussions