Project overview:

It is essential that agricultural heritage systems be preserved. These systems have not only resulted in outstanding landscapes but, more importantly, have contributed substantially to food and livelihood security, the conservation of agricultural biodiversity, the maintenance of resilient agro-ecosystems and the preservation of traditional cultural heritage. It has been estimated that 1.4 billion people, mostly family farmers and indigenous communities, produce between 30 and 50 percent of the domestic food consumed in the developing world by using locally adapted practices. These agricultural systems will continue to play a significant role in increasing food production by 60 percent up to 2050.

In this context, the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems initiative was launched in 2002 during the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the aim of ensuring worldwide recognition of the importance of unique traditional agricultural systems. The initiative would accomplish this by establishing the basis for the identification, recognition, conservation and sustainable management of GIAHS and their associated landscapes, biodiversity, knowledge systems and cultures. By the end of September 2014, 27 systems in 12 countries had been designated GIAHS sites. 

In the subregion, the project was implemented under the FAO Turkish Partnership Agreement with the aim of identifying, preserving and sustaining agricultural heritage systems in Azerbaijan and Turkey. 

The outcome of the project was the identification of pilot sites for the dynamic conservation of GIAHS and long-term GIAHS. The project improved knowledge, understanding and national awareness of GIAHS, leading to enhanced support for their conservation and sustainable natural resources management; built the capacity of development workers and technical specialists, along with local farming communities living in the selected pilot sites; and prepared a programme in Azerbaijan and Turkey. It also increased consensus among partners, institutions and bodies, enhanced awareness and involvement of a range of stakeholders with regard to the importance of agricultural heritage, and prepared a proposal for the long-term stewardship of GIAHS.

Key results of the project:

• Six pilot sites were selected in Turkey for dynamic conservation of GIAHS.
• 60 case studies were presented in Turkey and 11 case studies were prepared in Azerbaijan.
• GIAHS brochures were produced in English, Turkish and Azeri.
• Capacity was built through workshops and training sessions in both project countries.
• Consensus was increased among partners, institutions and bodies.
• Future strategic steps and action plans were determined with a view to long-term stewardship of GIAHS.