Global alliance for tea-related agricultural heritage systems launched in Fuzhou

Rome - Fuzhou recently hosted the official launch of the world’s first alliance dedicated to conserving tea-related agricultural heritage. This milestone event was part of the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Jasmine and Tea Culture System as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) and the Third China (Fuzhou) Tea Trade Fair.

Tea is a cornerstone of agricultural heritage, with five of the 89 globally important agricultural heritage systems (GIAHS) recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) tied to tea-related practices. Among these, China leads with three GIAHS, complemented by Japan and South Korea.

Fuzhou, as the birthplace of jasmine tea and a historical tea-trading hub, has long been a leader in preserving tea culture and its associated practices. FAO recognized the Fuzhou jasmine and tea culture system as a GIAHS, underscoring the city's efforts to conserve these living systems dynamically.

Clelia Puzzo, GIAHS senior programme specialist, addressed the inaugural meeting through a video message, emphasizing the alliance's potential to unify efforts in safeguarding tea-related agricultural heritage. She remarked, "Tea-related Agricultural Heritage Alliance is an important step taken by Fuzhou in the protection of agricultural heritage systems, which provides an opportunity for various tea cultural systems around the world to learn from each other".

A platform for collaboration and conservation
The newly formed tea-related agricultural heritage alliance aims to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, farmers, businesses, and researchers from GIAHS systems. By facilitating dialogue and cooperation, the alliance will support the conservation and dynamic adaptation of tea-related agricultural heritage, advancing intercultural exchange and international collaboration.

This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the FAO’s GIAHS programme, emphasizing the vital role of agricultural heritage in achieving sustainable development, fostering resilient livelihoods, and safeguarding biodiversity.

Leadership and a global perspectiveChina’s tea-related heritage is very relevant, with 22 systems designated as nationally important agricultural heritage systems (NIAHS), along with additional systems where tea plays an integral role.

During the launch, representatives from seven GIAHS systems and six NIAHS systems joined experts and scholars in discussing strategies for conservation and sustainable development.

Tea-related heritage: a legacy for future generations
The establishment of the tea-related agricultural heritage alliance highlights the cultural, ecological, and economic significance of tea-related systems. As dynamic repositories of traditional knowledge, these systems offer innovative solutions to global challenges, contributing to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Through initiatives like this alliance, the GIAHS community continues to champion agricultural heritage systems as living examples of resilience and sustainability, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

About FAO and GIAHS
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched the GIAHS programme in 2002 to identify and safeguard unique agricultural systems around the world. These systems, recognized for their traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, play a critical role in promoting food security, protecting the environment, and preserving cultural heritage.