Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

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Cultivating a better tomorrow — a journey through our agricultural heritage

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are living heritage systems inhabited by communities that maintain an intricate relationship with their territory. These evolving and resilient systems are characterized by remarkable agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, invaluable cultures, and landscapes, sustainably managed by farmers, herders, fisherfolk, and forest people in ways that support their livelihoods and food security. Through the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has designated 104 systems in 29 countries.

Latest
News
This Valentine’s Day, chocolate comes with new risks
14/02/2026

Ecuador’s GIAHS Chakra system is a leading example of forest-grown cocoa rooted in culture and biodiversity.

News
Ministerial delegations from Brazil, Ecuador and Peru endorse and call for a strengthened agricultural heritage approach by FAO in the region
27/11/2025

Within the framework of the meeting of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources, held in Lima, Peru, the delegations...

News
Regional symposium advances collaboration on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) among Korea, China and Japan
20/11/2025

Organized by FAO’s Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Korea, the symposium formed part of a regional twinning initiative bringing together...

Stories
Discover the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)
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Video
Video
Agricultural Heritage: Empowering resilience in the face of climate change
11/11/2023

The GIAHS programme was launched in 2002 by FAO to safeguard traditional agricultural systems and their sustainable practices. Watch the inspiring stories...

Photo gallery
Publications
Publication
Twenty years of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Success stories of dynamic conservation for sustainable rural development.

Publication
Guidelines for making a GIAHS Proposal document

Best practices for developing successful agricultural heritage applications.

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