Five new food systems in China, Mexico, Morocco, Spain and Thailand have recently been recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) refers to an evolving system of human communities intricately entwined with their territory, cultural or agricultural landscape, or biophysical and wider social environment. This initiative, launched by FAO, recognizes important global agricultural systems.

During the meeting of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group (2-4 November 2022), they formally recognized five new food systems as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). The selection criteria are based on global significance, value added to the public good, food and livelihood security support, agro-biodiversity, knowledge systems, social values and culture, and outstanding landscapes. With the latest incorporations, FAO's worldwide agricultural heritage network consists of 72 systems from 23 nations around the globe.

Three of these five new systems are directly related to pastoralism. Morocco has been recognized for the links between pastoralists and farmers in the country's east. Thailand, the Thale Noi Wetland Buffalo Pastoral Agro-Eco-System is also part of the GIAHS. Spain now has five systems recognized, with its latest incorporation of the Agrosilvopastoralism system in the mountains of León.

Historic oasis system linking pastoralists and farmers

The GIAHS of eastern Morocco comprises the Figuig municipality and the neighbouring AbbouLakhal. Its system is recognized for the coexisting lifestyles of farming and pastoral communities. AbbouLakhal has large grazing lands where nomadic communities traditionally have practised pastoralism. They have always traded with Figuig farmers. These cities are built on/near water springs, which has helped these communities strike a balance by absorbing the variation of yields and forage to maintain their livelihoods.

The oasis gardens and water have been sustainably managed and distributed through the communities based on customary rights. This system has been considered one of the country's most impressive oases, where traditions have withstood colonization and guaranteed the survival of these communities in the middle of the desert since the times of trans-Saharan trade.

Morocco, the ksour of Figuig: oasis and pastoral culture around the social management of water and land.

Landscape shared by humans and buffaloes

The Thale Noi Wetland Buffalo Agro-Eco-System is located in southern Thailand. This system is characterized by an ancient interaction between humans and buffaloes. Pastoralism has shaped and conserved biodiversity and landscapes whilst buffaloes adapted to live in a land flooded for around five months of the year.

The system comprises numerous practices such as fishing, water plant cultivation, harvesting of non-timber forest products and tourism. All these practices conserve the foundations for local food and livestock security, biodiversity conservation and solidarity through local communities.

In this system, buffaloes, which have a special place in Thai culture, can graze openly during the day and be sheltered inside pens at night. During the monsoon season, buffaloes stay in sheds typically built 1.5 m above the ground. Herders take them to the grazing areas through the flooded fields and bring them back before sundown. Pastoralists also have a strong foundation of expertise in traditional fishing techniques and equipment to ensure food security during the monsoon season. During the dry season, they focus on farming.

Thailand, Thale Noi Wetland Pastoral Buffalo Agro-ecosystem

 Diverse and multipurpose mountain agrifood system

In the northwest of Spain, we can find the Mountains of León, an incredibly varied agrifood system which has contributed to the food security and livelihood of local communities for centuries. With its forests, pastures and areas under cultivation, this region of Spain boasts an exceptional diversity of land uses. This diversity has great value as it allows the coexistence of agriculture, livestock, forestry, gathering, hunting and fishing in the same system.

Amongst the uniqueness of the Mountains of León, the capacity of local communities to maintain agricultural biodiversity has resulted in the conservation and safeguarding of unique native species like the Brown and Indian Rooster of León, the Mantequera Leonesa bovine species and the distinctive Hispano-Bretón horse. The region offers a unique combination of qualities that are difficult to find elsewhere, including the beauty and recognition provided by the seven Biosphere Reserves, which coexist here in natural harmony with the agricultural systems.

Spain, Agro-Silvo-Pastoral System of the Leon Mountains

With these three systems, the GIAHS has recognized seven agricultural systems related to pastoralism. Kenya, Morocco in Ait Soubat – Ait Mansour and Figuig, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania and Thailand.