2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the FAO GIAHS Programme. FAO launched the GIAHS initiative at the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002. Since its inception, the number of agricultural systems recognized as GIAHS has been gradually increasing. Up to now, the programme counted 67 sites recognized in 22 countries. By the end of September 2022, there are 19 official candidates and many more are under identification.

During the past two decades, GIAHS has proven to be a valid model of sustainable agriculture through its holistic and future-oriented approach covering agroecological farming, rural development actions, and the conservation of agrobiodiversity, landscapes, cultures, and traditional knowledge. Through GIAHS designations, local communities have implemented innovative activities and gained experiences related to sustainable use of natural resources, adaptive management, and sustainable economic development of their agricultural systems.