FAO’s takes the stage at the 9th Conference of the East Asia Research Association for Agricultural Heritage Systems (ERAHS) in the Republic of Korea

Jeju/ Rome- FAO, through the GIAHS Secretariat  and the Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Korea, participated in the 9th Conference of the East Asia Research Association for Agricultural Heritage Systems (ERAHS), held from 17 to 20 September 2025 in Jeju, Republic of Korea.

ERAHS serves as a regional platform to share knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and advance the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural heritage systems. East Asia plays a leading role in this effort, with 65 of the 102 Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) designated by FAO located in the region.

The conference opened on 17 September with addresses from Korean authorities. In his opening remarks, Shengyao Tang, Representative and Head of the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Korea, underlined the regional leadership and the importance of youth engagement: “East Asia is a leader in safeguarding agricultural heritage, with more than 50 sites designated across Korea, China and Japan. This year, we declared 2025 as the ‘Year of GIAHS’ to further raise awareness and engagement, and I warmly invite you to the International GIAHS Symposium in Seoul on 19 November.”

Delivering a keynote speech, Jeremie Mbairamadji, Senior Coordinator of the GIAHS Secretariat, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond recognition: “GIAHS is not only about designation. What truly matters is sustainable management, continuous monitoring, and collective efforts to ensure these systems thrive for future generations.”

The programme included sessions on ecosystem services and conservation, certification and branding of agricultural heritage products, comparative analysis of agricultural heritage policies in China, Japan and Korea, as well as sustainable tourism in agricultural heritage systems. An exhibition and poster session showcased youth actions on “green agri-heritage,” highlighting the role of the next generation in safeguarding traditional knowledge.

Held in Jeju, home to two GIAHS, the Jeju Haenyeo Fisheries System and the Batdam Walls Agricultural System, the conference highlighted the richness of living heritage. The opening ceremony included a performance by Jeju Haenyeo, bringing their traditions to life through song and theatre.

FAO’s participation through the GIAHS Secretariat reaffirmed the importance of GIAHS not only as a designation but as an ongoing commitment to sustainable conservation, monitoring, and collective action to ensure agricultural heritage systems continue to support communities and ecosystems for generations to come.

Learn more about the ERAHS: https://erahs.krha.co.kr/en