Sustainable production and agrifood systems based on GIAHS approaches

The pressing necessity to transform existing agrifood systems, characterized by their substantial environmental challenges—including the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, greenhouse gas emissions, water overexploitation, biodiversity depletion, and soil degradation—into systems that are resilient and sustainable is becoming widely recognized on a global scale.

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 certain 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 February 2024, 86 agricultural heritage systems have been officially designated in 26 countries.

In response, the "Project for Promotion and Dissemination of Sustainable Agrifood Systems (GCP/GLO/1185/JPN-F)," funded by Japan, aims to facilitate a global workshop/webinar to gather, analyze and shared information on outstanding initiatives and best practices for promoting greening the supply chain in agriculture.

Objective

The webinar will showcase four GIAHS sites that exemplify long-standing agricultural practices for sustainable agricultural production and agrifood supply chain enhancement, leveraging traditional knowledge and practices. It aims to facilitate the sharing of insights and experiences. 

Experts from four systems will share their experiences, highlighting the synergy between traditional wisdom with good practices for global solutions.

Panelists from

Austria: Traditional Hay Milk Farming in the Austrian Alpine Arc

Tunisia Gafsa Oases 

Japan: Fallen Leaves Compost Agroforestry in Musashino Upland

Ecuador: Amazonian Chakra, managed by Indigenous communities

Japan: Mamano Chocolate, Cacao supply chain operator

Key information

Interpretation: English, French, Spanish, and Japanese.