Rome - The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is currently seeking applications from experts to join the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) of its Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme for the 2024-2025 term. This call is particularly aimed at experts from Africa, Near East and North Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Scientific Advisory Group, composed of nine members nominated by the FAO's Director-General, serves as a crucial expert body. Members are selected based on their individual merits rather than as representatives of member countries, with a focus on ensuring a balance in terms of region and gender. The primary role of the group is to review GIAHS proposal documents and to make final decisions regarding the designation of sites as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.

Applicants to the Scientific Advisory Group should possess expertise in one or more of the following fields: agronomy, forestry, fisheries, natural resource management, ecology (specifically agroecology), biodiversity conservation, human sciences related to agriculture, landscape approaches, sustainable rural development, agricultural economics and policy, or other pertinent disciplines.

The deadline for submitting applications is March 14, 2024. Further details can be found in the Call for Experts page here.

The submissions of CVs in response to the call for experts should be sent to:

[email protected] 

About GIAHS

The FAO's Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme plays a pivotal role in identifying strategies to counter threats to farmers while amplifying the benefits of these systems. Recognized for their unique combination of cultural heritage, biodiversity, and sustainable agricultural practices, 86 sites across 26 countries have been designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, exemplifying dynamic environments where tradition and innovation intersect for food and livelihood security.