2002 

In response to the global trends that undermine family agriculture and traditional agricultural systems, during the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launches a Global Partnership Initiative to protect and support family farming and to conserve “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.” 

2012  

With 16 sites designated and many more proposed in various countries within the first 10 years, GIAHS has earned international recognition and appreciation at various intergovernmental fora. In the meantime, international, regional and national conferences, seminars, training courses to enhance the capacity of member countries and to disseminate the concept of GIAHS have been carried out. 

2013  

At the 148th session of the FAO Council, members have agreed that GIAHS shall become an integral part of FAO´s framework and receive a formal status. A first Conference Resolution for anchoring GIAHS within the Organization was drafted. 

2014-2015 

Following discussions during the 24th session of the Committee of Agriculture (COAG) in 2014 and during the 39th FAO Conference the following year, the GIAHS programme has been officially endorsed as a FAO Regular Programme in 2015.  

2016  

In order to streamline and facilitate designation processes, in 2016, GIAHS launches the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) with the aim to provide scientific advice on the GIAHS programme and conduct designation of GIAHS sites. The SAG is elected on a rotational 2-year term.  

2018 

On 19 April 2018, during the GIAHS International Forum at FAO Headquarters, the programme designated 13 new sites in seven countries on 19 April 2018 in Rome during the international forum. In occasion of the forum, FAO organized a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Sites exhibition. 

2022 

Looking back on 20 years of GIAHS, the programme has designated 67 agricultural heritage sites in 22 countries and receives more and more designation proposals. GIAHS has organized capacity building workshops for local farming communities, civil society organizations and Government Official. The programme promoted policies and incentives to support the dynamic conservation and potential of GIAHS and helped to implement concrete rural development actions, while promoting traditional knowledge and local cultures.