FAO in Viet Nam

UN Conference showcases FAO’s work connecting tourism with agricultural heritage for rural development

10/12/2024

Hoi An, Viet Nam — The United Nations World Tourism Organization’s First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development, held from December 9-11, 2024, in Hoi An, Viet Nam, spotlighted the vital role of tourism in promoting sustainable agriculture and preserving agricultural heritage.

Nguyen Song Ha, Assistant FAO Representative in Viet Nam, highlighted how tourism can serve as a bridge between agricultural heritage and global sustainability goals, offering concrete examples from Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

 

A symbiotic relationship: Agriculture and tourism

“Tourism, particularly agrotourism and eco-tourism, is not just an economic driver; it is a platform for education and cultural exchange,” said Mr. Nguyen. He underscored that sustainable tourism allows visitors to engage with traditional farming practices, biodiversity conservation, and the deep-rooted cultural significance of agricultural heritage systems.

One standout case shared during the conference was the italian GIAHS: Ancient Olive Groves of Assisi-Spoleto, Italy, designated system in 2018. This site boasts a network of trails that allow visitors to explore the historical and cultural richness of the area, while also promoting local olive oil production. “Through initiatives like this, tourism doesn’t just bring people to a place; it connects them with its story, its people, and its future,” Nguyen Song Ha added.

A catalyst for rural development

Beyond cultural engagement, sustainable tourism contributes to rural livelihoods, infrastructure development, and gender inclusion. FAO’s experience over 22 years of implementing the GIAHS Programme demonstrates how tourism reinvigorates local cultures and creates alternative income streams, preventing rural depopulation.

“By creating opportunities for learning and collaboration, tourism in GIAHS-designated systems turns visitors into advocates for sustainability,” Nguyen Song Ha concluded, calling for greater investment in integrated approaches.

Balancing sustainability and resilience

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems approach aligns with global sustainability frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, and the strategic goals of the Food and Agriculture Organization. By balancing productivity, ecological resilience, and cultural preservation, GIAHS offers a practical model to address pressing challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

These agricultural systems provide solutions to climate challenges through their adaptation to extreme weather, conservation of genetic diversity, and promotion of traditional knowledge. In the face of global environmental changes, GIAHS demonstrates how integrating tourism with sustainable agriculture can reinforce resilience and innovation in local communities.

About Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2002, the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Programme recognizes living agricultural systems of global significance. With 89 designated systems across 28 countries, Asia and the Pacific host 58 of these, including notable examples in China, Japan, and India. Globally, these systems serve as models of sustainable agriculture and dynamic conservation.