Shaping the future of agricultural heritage through South-South and Triangular Cooperation at a global high-level gathering

Huzhou/Xianju, China – The 2024 High-Level Training and Experience Sharing on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) concluded on November 10, following a week of in-depth knowledge exchange in Huzhou and Xianju, Zhejiang Province.

Hosted by China through the Center for International Cooperation Services (CICOS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), and organized under the FAO-China South-South Cooperation collaboration, the event brought together representatives from 20 countries to explore innovative ways to strengthen agricultural heritage systems.

The gathering echoed a key message from FAO’s discussions at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), in Azerbaijan —that agrifood systems, including agricultural heritage, offer transformative solutions to the planet’s complex challenges. By exchanging knowledge, technologies, and policy insights, participants aimed to unlock the potential of GIAHS systems to bolster community resilience, drive sustainable development, and address critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation and food insecurity.

Workshops and discussions delved into sustainability and dynamic conservation, highlighting local communities as guardians of traditional knowledge and agricultural heritage systems. China, leading with 22 of the 89 GIAHS designations globally, showcased its commitment to advancing collaboration and fostering innovation.

In his closing remarks, Xu Ming, Deputy Director General of CICOS, described the gathering as “a milestone for cooperation, enhancing heritage conservation and supporting resilient rural development worldwide”.

Highlighting the importance of partnerships, Yahui Zhang, Senior Coordinator at FAO's South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division, emphasized that “tailored approaches and enhanced collaboration” would drive the long-term success of the GIAHS programme. “Our collective work must ensure that these systems thrive globally,” he added.

Clelia Puzzo from the FAO GIAHS Secretariat pointed out the transformative power of community engagement. “Agricultural heritage is a living treasure,” she noted, “and by empowering communities, we allow these traditions to evolve and address present challenges, such as food insecurity and climate change impacts.”

The event brought together representatives from 20 countries to explore innovative ways to strengthen agricultural heritage systems.

©Yao Song

Agricultural heritage voices from the regions

Asia
Liu Moucheng, China: Emphasizing China’s commitment to sustainability and rural revitalization, Liu shared, “China has leveraged GIAHS for two decades to promote sustainable development and share successful models worldwide, strengthening climate change resilience and improving local livelihoods.”

Nagata Akira, Japan: Nagata spoke on strengthening partnerships between new and established GIAHS sites. “Collaboration ensures a balanced exchange of knowledge, creating a united network that adapts to global change and contributes to food security,” he said.

Europe
Mafalda Gaspar, Portugal: “Recognizing heritage empowers people, blending culture and innovation to strengthen identity and resilience,” Gaspar emphasized, pointing to the economic potential of GIAHS through tourism and cultural pride.

Juan Prieto, Spain: Prieto highlighted the role of GIAHS as living laboratories for biodiversity, sustainability, and food security. “Connecting heritage with modern solutions fosters biodiversity and strengthens community cohesion, while promoting climate change adaptation,” he stated.

Latin America
Julio Yuquilema Yupanqui, Ecuador: “Indigenous Peoples' food systems offer solutions to global challenges like climate change,” Yuquilema observed, stressing the adaptability of Ecuador’s traditional agricultural practices for enhanced food security and community resilience.

Tulio Medina, Peru: Medina reflected on Asia’s GIAHS achievements as an inspiration for Latin America. “China’s community-driven model demonstrates how heritage strengthens local development, livelihoods, and resilience to climate change,” he noted.

Africa
Nahid Bezzaz, Morocco: “Agricultural heritage is about linking the past with the future,” Bezzaz noted, emphasizing how these traditions shape pathways to sustainable development.

Blaise Okinyi Akite, Kenya: Representing the Maasai agropastoral system, Akite emphasized, “Africa’s sustainable practices hold immense value for food security and the environment,” calling for expanded GIAHS recognition across the continent to strengthen climate change resilience and support livelihoods.

Visits to the Huzhou Mulberry-Dyke and Fish-Pond System

© Lis Sánchez

Walking through the Xianju Ancient Chinese Waxberry Composite System © Lis Sánchez

The way forward – A roadmap for GIAHS

Establishing global and local monitoring systems: To monitor the sites’ action plans and GIAHS global contributions to food security, biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural preservation. Engage communities in creating indicators to ensure transparency and evaluate positive impacts.

Securing sustainable financing: Mobilize resources for data collection, knowledge systemization and exchange and farmers’ training. Collaborate with governments, academia, and the private sector to ensure long-term sustainability.

Enhancing regional collaboration: Strengthen GIAHS through South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) and creating regional knowledge networks on the soon to be launched FAO SSTC Gateway platform. Promote digital and in-person exchanges for peer learning, innovation, and collaborative adaptation of best practices focused on sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and food security.

Promoting visibility and advocacy: Position GIAHS at global level as a key approach to biodiversity conservation, climate change resilience, and food security, and overall to achieving sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods.

Documenting and sharing knowledge: Prioritize the systemization and dissemination of good practices, success stories, and traditional knowledge across GIAHS sites. Use digital tools to make resources widely accessible, highlighting the connection between the GIAHS designation and food security and resilience positive outcomes.

A journey beyond dialogue

Delegates not only exchanged knowledge within conference rooms but also experienced agricultural heritage firsthand. Visits to the Huzhou Mulberry-Dyke and Fish-Pond System and the Xianju Ancient Chinese Waxberry Composite System immersed participants in how tradition, sustainability, and innovation intersect to build resilience and promote rural development. Participants observed the role of women as key custodians of these systems and saw capacity-building efforts in action. The highlight was a community festival featuring traditional performances, local delicacies, and rituals rooted in centuries-old practices.

GIAHS and SSTC

GIAHS is a growing network of 89 FAO-designated sites across 28 countries, showcasing agricultural biodiversity, climate resilience, and cultural heritage, and offering key lessons for sustainable agriculture and rural development.

FAO's work on South-South and Triangular Cooperation fosters collaboration among developing and developed countries to exchange technologies, share experience, create jobs, build infrastructure, and promote trade. SSTC plays an increasingly vital role in tackling food insecurity, driving demand for proven Southern-led solutions.