The GIAHS project is timely in view of the current national and international efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and combating land degradation and desertification, recognition of farmers' and indigenous peoples' contribution to biodiversity and knowledge systems and increased attention to the world's combined natural and cultural heritage, notably:

• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in regard to agricultural biodiversity, sustainable use of biological diversity, and the knowledge, innovations and practices of local and indigenous communities (Articles 10c and 8j and the Programme of Work on Agricultural Biodiversity).
• The World Heritage Convention (WHC), in line with its designation of outstanding sites and protected areas and UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
• The Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (FAO, 1996). The request of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to develop, as part of the FAO Global System for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources, a network of in situ conservation areas is also addressed by this project.
• The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (FAO, Nov. 2001).
• The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources (Strategic Priority 6) and the Interlaken Declaration on Animal Genetic Resources (article 12)
• The implementation of Agenda 21 and the Conventions on Desertification and Climate Change (UNCCD and UNFCCC).
• The Millenium Declaration and Millenium Development Goals. The inter-relationship between all of the goals and the need to ensure environmental sustainability is supported by this project. 
• The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.