FAO honors newly designated global agricultural heritage systems

ROME, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Friday held a certificate-awarding ceremony at its Rome headquarters to honor newly designated Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

The event, part of FAO's 80th-anniversary celebrations, recognized agricultural heritage sites approved since 2023 and provided a platform for representatives to exchange experiences and share best practices. Participants included government officials, business representatives, and farmers from 28 heritage systems across 14 countries.

China received certificates for six new sites: the Kuancheng traditional chestnut eco-planting system in Hebei Province, the Tongling white ginger plantation system in Anhui, the Xianju ancient Chinese waxberry composite system in Zhejiang, the Gaolan Shichuan ancient pear orchard system in Gansu, the Deqing freshwater pearl mussels composite fishery system in Zhejiang, and the Fuding white tea culture system in Fujian.

With these additions, the global GIAHS network now comprises 102 systems in total, 25 of them in China, the highest number for any single country.

In a video message, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said the traditional knowledge embodied in GIAHS remains vital today, offering practical experience to strengthen resilience to climate change, ensuring food security, and improving rural livelihoods.

FAO also hosted an exhibition showcasing GIAHS-related products, cultural displays, and food tasting to celebrate the newly recognized sites.

Launched in 2002, the GIAHS program seeks to conserve traditional agricultural systems that embody rich biodiversity, distinctive landscapes, and cultural heritage. These living systems, shaped by generations of farmers, serve as global models for sustainable agriculture and rural development. ■