Two new sites in Japan - an inland fisheries and associated paddy farming system centred on the country’s largest lake and a traditional fruit-growing area  believed to have been the birthplace of Japanese grape cultivation - have been formally recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

The two sites have been designated for their unique ways of using traditional practices and knowledge while maintaining unique biodiversity and ecosystems during a meeting of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group in Rome. The selection criteria stipulate that sites must be of global importance, have value as a public good, supporting food and livelihood security, agro-biodiversity, knowledge systems, social values and culture as well as outstanding landscapes.

FAO’s flagship GIAHS programme, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, is seen as a key tool for promoting sustainable agriculture and revitalizing and developing the distinctive features of rural communities.

To date, a total of 13 sites in Japan have been added to the global agricultural heritage systems list. FAO's worldwide agricultural heritage network now consists of 67 systems in 22 countries around the globe.