Significance of GIAHS in global agriculture and culture

Table of contents

• What are Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems?
• Why are Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems important?
• Criteria for Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
• Japanese Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

What are Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems?

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, often referred to as GIAHS, represent landscapes of exceptional beauty that seamlessly blend agricultural biodiversity, enduring ecosystems, and a rich cultural heritage. These systems, found across the globe, stand as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of humans in adapting to their environments and managing resources sustainably. Initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, GIAHS highlights the unique ways in which various communities interact with their natural surroundings.

As of October 2023, there are 15 sites in Japan designated as GIAHS, with the first designation going to Sado City in Niigata Prefecture.

Why are Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems important?

The designation of a site as a GIAHS serves multiple purposes. It recognizes and seeks to protect these unique systems and practices. It also aims to raise global awareness about their value and to support sustainable development in these areas. This approach not only contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and biodiversity but also offers valuable insights into sustainable agriculture and resilience for communities worldwide.

Criteria for Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

These systems are defined by five criteria:

• Food and livelihood security: The system should contribute to food and livelihood security for the communities involved.
• Agro-biodiversity: The system should be endowed with globally significant biodiversity and genetic resources for food and agriculture.
• Local and traditional knowledge systems: These systems should incorporate and sustain local and traditional knowledge and practices.
• Cultures, value systems, and social organizations: They should reflect the cultures, value systems, and social organizations of the communities they are part of.
• Landscape and seascape features: The system should include significant landscape and seascape features developed through the harmony of nature and humans.

Japanese Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Basing the criterion of GIAHS, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has introduced the Japanese Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (J-NIAHS) for domestic adaptation. It includes three additional criteria: resilience to change, participation of various entities, and promotion of the sixth industrialization.