One of Japan’s Globally Important Heritage Sites located in the northern mountainous region of the country will be presented as an example of tradition and innovation in the global event Terra Madre, organized by the international organization SlowFood on 11 October at 11 am (GMT+2). 

The Takachihogo-Shiibayama Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry System in Japan was designated as GIAHS site by FAO in 2015 thanks to its social-sharing traditional irrigation system, part of a unique rice production area.

Tomonori Tasaki, from the Japanese Takachiho Town Office, an institution in charge of the revitalization of the Takachiho area, will share with participants the unique qualities of this agricultural heritage system. 

The irrigation system that feeds the numerous rice paddies in the area and that makes this site unique was developed in the first half of the 1600s. Today, the irrigation canal networks exceed 500 kilometers in length feeding over 1 800 ha of rice paddies.

The GIAHS site's presentation will be part of the event "water: a common good," a discussion on how, unfortunately, water has become a source of conflict and how we can protect this precious resource through efficient forms of governance and management. Communities from across the world will be comparing their experiences. 

This event will be streamed on 11 October at 11 am (GMT+2). The registration form is available here and must be booked in advance. 

About Terra Madre, Salone del gusto

Terra Madre is a worldwide Slow Food festival to unite our food, our planet, and our future. Physical and digital events run from October 2020 – April 2021. 

About GIAHS

Launched as an initiative in 2002 by FAO, the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme aims to identify and ensure agricultural heritage and food systems preservation. Based on five complementary selection criteria, this programme (re)gives visibility and legitimacy to these examples of sustainability and resilience.

The promotion and adaptation of these systems are ensured through the implementation of a dynamic conservation plan. The latter includes actions that allow the system to maintain its specific features while driving change, innovation, and flexibility to meet current challenges.

More information

FAO-GIAHS Website: Takachihogo-Shiibayama Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry System, Japan

FAO GIAHS Flickr Album 

Organizer’s Website:Terra Madre, Salone del gusto