Conservation and Adaptive Management of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

Abstract: Worldwide specific agricultural systems and landscapes have been created, shaped and maintained by generations of farmers and herders based on diverse natural resources using locally adapted management practices. Building on local knowledge and experience these ingenious agricultural systems reflect the evolution of humankind, the diversity of its knowledge and its profound relationship with nature. These systems have resulted not only in outstanding landscapes maintenance and adaptation of globally significant agricultural biodiversity indigenous knowledge systems and resilient ecosystems, but above all, in the sustained provision of multiple goods and services, food and livelihood security and quality of life. However, many of these systems are facing severe threats from various sources including globalization. In 2002 FAO initiated an international partnership initiative: “conservation and adaptive management of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)”. The global GIAHS initiative aims to establish the basis for the international recognition, dynamic conservation and sustainable management of such systems, agricultural biodiversity and their associated biodiversity knowledge systems, food and livelihood security, landscapes and cultures.