The criteria for system and/or site selection represented here were developed specifically for the selection of pilot systems for the GIAHS project.

These include two sets: 1) criteria for recognition of the system as a GIAHS on the basis of the inherent qualities of the system, 2) criteria for inclusion in the GEF-PDF B and Full Scale Project, on the basis of the context of the system, the eligibility of the country and the content of the project proposal.

During the GEF project development phase, criteria were developed by the project Steering Committee as a basis for the selection and recognition of remarkable agricultural systems as GIAHS.

Selection Criteria for Pilot Systems or Sites

• Outstanding characteristics
• Proved history of sustainability
• Global significance

• Representation
• External threats
• Policy and development relevance

• Project integration: country eligibility ownership and country driven-ness (GEF and FAO criterion)
• Co-finance potential (GEF-criterion)
• Project approach

Indicators for validation of systems in light of the criteria and notes for interpretation and measurement

The indicators were developed at the Stakeholder workshop and International Steering Committee Meeting of August 2002, for the system/sites selection. During the PDF-B and Full Scale Project, these criteria will be refined and additional indicators and targets will be developed for: 1) monitoring and evaluation of the systems' health, 2) project performance.

The indicators are grouped here under each criterion. Two of them are used under two criteria (public goods, under criteria 2 and 4, and international conventions under 8 and 10). One was not used (on trans-boundary systems, which the stakeholder report clearly indicates is not a criterion, but possibly a useful dimension for establishing a project funding strategy).