WHAT ARE GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Most commonly, a GI consists of the name of the place of origin. The specific qualities involved are the result of local natural or human factors. GIs thus represent a collective asset linked to the local heritage and reputation. GIs are protected by intellectual property rights, in accordance with the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications.FAO’s ROLE
FAO’s work on GIs helps unleash their potential for sustainable development and sustainable agrifood systems, in partnership with international organizations, countries, local authorities, communities and researchers.
NEWS
Mad for the "Madd de Casamance"
For rural communities in Casamance, as elsewhere in the world, geographical indications offer a way to capture more value from traditional knowledge and resources while preserving the environmental and cultural systems that sustain them.
Expert Meeting on Geographical Indications (GI) – oriGIn – June 2025
An International Expert Meeting on Geographical Indications (GI), organized by oriGIn (Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network), was held on 12 and 13 June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The aim was to bring together the international GI community (intellectual property lawyers, intellectual property offices, producer groups, institutions, GI operator federations, etc.) to discuss the latest developments and current challenges in the field. The event focused on several key themes for GIs: the implementation of international agreements on GIs, GI protection technologies, rights enforcement, traceability, communication, sustainability, as well as trademark applications conflicting with GIs. It provided an up-to-date overview of GI protection systems and the current issues linked to their development, while offering a cutting-edge perspective on practices and tools for GI protection. The FAO attended this meeting.
Worldwide Symposium 2025 on Geographical Indications (GI) – WIPO
The Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), was held on 1 and 2 May 2025. This biennial event brought together public decision-makers, producers of products with geographical indications, and specialists in the field of GIs. It provided a platform for exchanging ideas and perspectives on the challenges related to the use and protection of GIs, while also delivering technical information and insights on recent developments in this area. The FAO took part and moderated the session on the sustainability of GIs, a topic in which it has been involved for many years.
International Conference in Rome Explores the Future of Geographical Indications through Innovation and Tradition
In February 2025 in Rome, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) played host to the Second International Conference on Geographical Indicators (GIs), focused this time on the impact of innovations and tradition on sustainability. Co-organized by FAO and Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF), the event gathered key players from across the globe. The collaboration also included CIRAD (the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development), the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), oriGIn (Organization for an international network of geographical indications), oriGIn Italia and the Qualivita Foundation.
Held at FAO headquarters from 18 to 21 February, the Conference explored how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand to support sustainable development in GIs. More than 350 participants attended, including researchers, policymakers, producers, private companies, collective organisations and representatives from international bodies. Delegates came from 52 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, highlighting the truly global reach of the discussions.
Key topics addressed included:
- Sustainable innovation: tackling the economic, social and environmental aspects of GIs and how they adapt to climate change;
- Governance and collective action: examining the role of producer organisations, certification schemes and marketing strategies;
- Policy and legal frameworks: exploring regulatory developments, GI protection and international cooperation;
- Technical specifications: investigating product standards and technical advancements.
The message emerging from the Conference was unequivocal: Geographical Indications must be embraced not merely as designations of origin, but as strategic tools for fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development, delivering tangible benefits across value chains and uplifting rural communities. They are a driving force behind the transformation of agricultural systems. To achieve this, GIs must be supported by strong public policies, particularly in the areas of value chain structuring, training, access to land, and investment.
With more than 18 years of dedicated engagement in supporting the sustainability of Geographical Indications, FAO continues to play a central role in the global effort to expand and strengthen the growing network of over 9,450 officially recognized GIs worldwide.
"Madd de Casamance" Registered as a Geographical Indication
On 25 June 2024, the "Madd de Casamance" fruit received its certificate of registration as a geographical indication, presented to the Senegalese government by the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). This makes the Madd the first Senegal's registered geographical indication. This registration marks a significant achievement for FAO, which has been supporting the process since the very beginning.
The "Madd de Casamance" is a wild fruit of the Saba liana, which grows in the forests of Casamance, Senegal's green lung. This fruit can be eaten on its own or, thanks to the expertise of its processors, as nectar, syrup or preserves (sweet, sweet-salty, sweet-salty-spicy). The local communities have a strong relationship with their territory and its products, and have a perfect knowledge of the ripening conditions of the fruit and the sustainable management of this resource. The Association for the Protection and Promotion of the Geographical Indication "Madd de Casamance” – APPIGMAC – counts over 900 members and consists of pickers/collectors and experienced processors.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Based on a 2022 international event organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), in collaboration with the Swiss Intellectual Property Institute (IPI) and oriGIn (Organization for an International GI Network), this book explores global perspectives on Geographical Indications (GIs), featuring contributions from researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. It covers GI legal frameworks, management, market dynamics, sustainability, and consumer welfare, highlighting their role in linking product quality and reputation to geographic origin.
DEVELOPING A ROADMAP TOWARDS INCREASED SUSTAINABILITY IN GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION SYSTEMS
This guide and the associated toolkit provide GI organizations with practical step-by-step guidance to develop and implement their own sustainability roadmaps, based on participatory processes.
Through these processes, GI organizations can strengthen their governance and legitimacy and become agents of change for increased sustainability.
USING GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY
This brief, now available also in French, presents best practices and lessons learned drawn from the implementation of a comprehensive approach to GIs for over 10 years.
The policy guidance provided highlights the importance of endogenous interventions that put local producers at the centre of geographical indication processes, as well as the need for public institutions to play a key role in the implementation of geographical indication approaches.
PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH THE REGISTRATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS
This publication provides guidance for public authorities in examining requests for the registration of geographical indications.
The publication highlights the importance of public institutions to support the creation of enabling environments that contribute to the development of sustainable agrifood systems through geographical indication approaches.
HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS
KEY FACTS
GIs IN THE WORLD:
Asia: 4 043
Africa: 209
Central/South America: 572
North America: 429
Europe: 4 051
Oceania: 138
World: 9 460
(oriGIn)
PAST EVENTS
Geographical indications discussed during the G7 Ministers' Meeting on Agriculture held in September 2024.
Role and Contribution of Geographical Indications and WIPO Lisbon System ─ Boao Forum for Asia Global Urban & Rural Development Forum (GURD), 2024. On this occasion FAO presented its role in the development of GIs and its approach to sustainability.
International colloquium and trade fair on GIs in Africa, 2024. The event brought together representatives of almost 30 countries, whose GI products were represented at the colloquium. The work of FAO in support of GIs in Africa was presented during the event.
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