Rome – The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) organized a workshop on Traditional Knowledge and Innovation in Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. Representatives from seven GIAHS sites, spanning the Philippines, Morocco, Brazil, Bangladesh, Italy, Japan, and a virtual presence from Spain, convened to share insights, exchange experiences, and discuss the importance of combining traditional practices with new technologies.

This workshop is the final event in a series of workshops and symposiums organized since 2021 under the Japan-funded programme "Support through GIAHS Programme the International Activities for Sustainable Family Farming". The workshop emphasized how traditional knowledge remains vital in conserving biodiversity, sustaining food systems, and supporting rural livelihoods, while innovation serves as a tool to enhance these practices in light of current environmental and social challenges.

Yoshihide Endo, GIAHS Coordinator, emphasized that "this event marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to integrate traditional knowledge with innovation, ensuring that agricultural heritage systems are not only preserved but also strengthened to address contemporary challenges." He also expressed the hope that the discussion and consideration to pursue the merge of traditional knowledge and innovation should be further continued in the GIAHS tasks in collaboration with internal and external relevant entities. 

Opening Remarks: Kubota Osamu, Deputy Assistant Minister for Export and International Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan

Kubota underscored Japan's commitment to supporting family farming, noting that it plays a vital role in sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. He emphasized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with innovative approaches to tackle global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. Referring to the Japan-funded programme, he remarked, "Family farming is not only essential for agricultural production but also for cultural, social, and environmental sustainability. This workshop aims to foster discussions that lead to actionable solutions in GIAHS sites."

Summaries of Key Presentations

Florence Tartanac, Senior Officer, FAO Nutrition Division: The Role of Traditional Knowledge in the Promotion of Local Products through Geographical Indications (GI)
Tartanac emphasized the importance of Geographical Indications (GI) in promoting local products linked to traditional agricultural practices. GI certification not only adds value to products but also strengthens local economies and preserves cultural heritage. In the face of the current challenges, GIs is shifting towards a better integration of sustainability that could be of relevance to better promote GIAHS’ products.

Pierre Ferrand, Agriculture Officer, FAO Plant Protection and Production Division: Integrating Traditional and Scientific Knowledge in Agroecological Systems
Ferrand discussed how agroecology bridges traditional and scientific knowledge, fostering sustainable agricultural systems. He shared examples of how digital tools can support the co-creation of knowledge among farmers, enhancing resilience to environmental changes.

Giorgio Grussu, Project Coordinator, Mountain Partnership Secretariat, FAO Forestry Division: The Role of Traditional Knowledge in the Preservation and Promotion of Fragile Ecosystems
Grussu highlighted how traditional knowledge is crucial in conserving fragile ecosystems such as mountains. His presentation stressed the role of local communities in sustainable resource management and the importance of integrating traditional practices with eco-friendly tourism. He also introduced innovative approaches to raise visibility and awareness about Indigenous knowhow through the example of fashion.

Yon Fernandez Larrinoa, Senior Advocacy Officer, FAO Indigenous Peoples Unit: Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems, Including GIAHS
Larrinoa explored the role of Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, emphasizing the need to preserve traditional practices to maintain biodiversity and food security. He pointed out that Indigenous knowledge is essential for resilience in the face of climate change.

Dr. Fernanda Monteiro, Researcher, São Paulo University, Brazil: Traditional Knowledge and the Dynamic Conservation of Biodiversity by Flower-Gathering Communities in the Espinhaço Range, Brazil
GIAHS: Traditional Agricultural System in the Southern Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais  
Monteiro presented a case study on how traditional flower-gathering communities in Brazil’s Espinhaço Range contribute to biodiversity conservation, demonstrating how cultural practices and ecosystem resilience are closely intertwined. Beyond, she presented the results of a recent study assessing the impact of the GIAHS sites on the soils and showed how the maintenance of the landscape management is crucial for biodiversity renewal and enrichment as well as soils’ conservation.

Dr. Md. Alimur Rahman, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute: Coping with Extreme Weather Events While Ensuring Food Security: The Contribution of Traditional Agricultural Practices in Bangladesh
GIAHS: Floating Garden Agricultural Practices 
Rahman discussed Bangladesh’s floating garden agricultural systems, which have been adapted to cope with extreme weather conditions. These traditional systems offer an innovative way to ensure food security in vulnerable environments. He showed how research can support the evolution of these gardens to diversify the production and support market opportunities and livelihood.

Professor Naoki Naito, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Tokushima University, Japan: Transmission of Traditional Knowledge and Conservation of the Agricultural Heritage in a Remote Mountainous Area
GIAHS: Nishi-Awa Steep Slope Land Agriculture System 
Naito discussed the challenges of preserving traditional agricultural practices in remote mountainous areas of Japan. He emphasized the need to view landscapes as dynamic entities shaped by both natural and human activities, and how traditional farming techniques, such as managing steep slopes and utilizing indigenous millet varieties, play a key role in maintaining ecological balance. Naito also highlighted the socioeconomic struggles faced by these communities, especially in the context of Japan's aging population and the decline in farming activity.

Ms. Bouchra Ouardirhi, Agronomist, Department of Agronomic and Environmental Projects (ANDZOA): The Argan-based Agro-SYLVO-pastoral System of Ait Souab-Ait Mansour in Morocco: A GIAHS Site Embracing Traditional Knowledge and Modern Innovation for More Resilience
GIAHS: Argan-based agro-sylvo-pastoral system within the area of Ait Souab - Ait Mansour 
Ouardirhi highlighted how the Argan-based agro-sylvo-pastoral system in Morocco is a prime example of blending traditional knowledge with modern innovations to enhance resilience in the face of climate change. The presentation covered the central role of the Argan tree in supporting food security, ecological stability, and cultural heritage. Despite challenges like declining rainfall and over-exploitation of resources, Ouardirhi emphasized the importance of traditional methods, such as terrace farming and communal grazing management, while integrating modern solutions like water retention systems and improved irrigation techniques to ensure sustainability.

Mr. Giovanni Bachetoni, Traditional knowledge and innovative practices as a dynamic conservation strategy
GIAHS: Olive Groves of the Slopes between Assisi and Spoleto
Bachetoni provided insights into how traditional olive farming practices in Italy are being combined with modern innovations to improve sustainability and productivity, ensuring the long-term preservation of agricultural heritage.

Mr. Clyde B. Pumihic, Philippines: Managing the Conservation of a Fragile Agricultural Heritage: The Role of Traditional Knowledge and Agricultural Practices
GIAHS: Ifugao Rice Terraces 
Pumihic discussed the critical role that traditional agricultural knowledge plays in conserving fragile agricultural heritage systems. He highlighted how practices such as indigenous soil management and biodiversity preservation contribute to the sustainability of these systems, emphasizing the need to integrate modern innovations with time-honored methods to address current environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Professor José-Damian Ruiz-Sinoga, Malaga University, Spain: Increasing Resilience through Traditional Practices: Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in a Millenary Agricultural System
GIAHS: Malaga Raisin Production System in La Axarquía
Ruiz-Sinoga presented a study on the Malaga Raisin Production System, exploring how traditional agricultural practices have fostered resilience to climate change in La Axarquía. He emphasized the significance of soil management, biodiversity conservation, and water management in maintaining ecosystem stability, and how these practices are essential for facing the region's climate challenges while sustaining local livelihoods.

Key recommendations

Participants collectively proposed several key actions to enhance the sustainability of GIAHS sites:

• Economic Incentives: Providing economic incentives such as premium prices and improved market access through certificate and labelling are important factors for effective use of traditional knowledge and integration of innovative approaches in GIAHS sites  
• Analysis and assessment : Robust analysis and assessment of the effectiveness of traditional and modern practices in GIAHS sites. The role of research institutes is key to generate evidences and adequately advocate for a better recognition of traditional knowledge, trigger investment and support innovation to tackle the needs of the communities.
• Governance, Policy: Strengthening governance frameworks by GIAHS management bodies or social organizations, supportive policies by public sectors, as well as financial support would be effective to sustain traditional knowledge while integrating innovation.
• Community of Practice: Establishing a platform for knowledge exchange among GIAHS site managers to share scientific research, case studies, and best practices.

Looking ahead

The workshop reinforced the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with innovation to strengthen agricultural heritage systems. By building on the wisdom of the past and embracing modern advancements, GIAHS sites can continue to play a key role in biodiversity conservation, food security, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

This event, part of a broader series funded by Japan, emphasized the necessity of safeguarding agricultural heritage systems for future generations through collaborative efforts and shared knowledge.

About GIAHS 

To address evolving social, economic, and environmental challenges, integrating indigenous people knowledge, innovative approaches and modern technologies with traditional knowledge can strengthen GIAHS sites, benefiting both farmers and conservation efforts.  

Emphasizing the crucial role of biodiversity preservation and the need to mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has recognized traditional agricultural, forestry, and fishery systems as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). These systems, which are richly integrated with local cultures and biodiversity, have been carefully adapted to the unique climatic and natural environments of their respective regions. They stand out for their vital contribution to preserving cultural heritage for future generations. As of September 2024, 86 agricultural heritage systems have been officially designated in 26 countries.

Find out more

• Flickr Album
• Video Day 1
• Video Day 2
• Event website
• GIAHS website
• Mountain Partnership website
• Geographical Indications website
• Plant production website
• Indigenous people FAO website