Three sites in China - an ancient tea-producing area, a nomadic livestock-rearing region and a rain-fed stone terrace farming system - were formally recognised  as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), for their unique ways of using traditional practices and knowledge while maintaining unique biodiversity and ecosystems.

The sites were designated during a meeting of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group taking place in Rome this week (17-19 May). 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 culture as well as outstanding landscapes.

GIAHS, which is celebrating 20 years in October, is a FAO flagship programme. “GIAHS has proven its potential as a model of sustainable agriculture through its remarkable agro-ecological approach. It is a way to revitalize rural communities and promote rural development by utilizing their unique features embedded in the agricultural systems,” said FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo.