Lessons from Japan’s Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (NIAHS): Insights and Opportunities for the Global Network
Webinar
Virtual Event, 17/06/2025
View the agenda
| Time | Agenda | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 14:00 | Housekeeping announcements | Jeremie Mbairamadji, GIAHS Coordinator |
| Opening Remarks | ||
| 14:05 – 14:10 | Video message | Mr. Yasushi Yamamoto, Deputy Director-General, MAFF |
| 14:10 – 14:15 | FAO Representative | Piedad Martin, Deputy Director, OCB |
| Session 1: Japan’s Experience with NIAHS | ||
| 14:15 – 14:30 | Overview of the NIAHS framework through policy and financial mechanisms - MAFF | Akira Nagata, Agricultural Heritage Advisor, Researcher, MAFF |
| 14:30 – 14:40 | Relationship between NIAHS and GIAHS and success stories – Experience from a NIAHS&GIAHS site | |
| Session 2: Global Perspectives on NIAHS Development and Opportunities | ||
| 14:40 – 14:55 | Global overview and panorama of NIAHS in the world | Aurelie Fernandez, Senior GIAHS Programme Consultant |
| Round table: Experience sharing | ||
| 14:55 – 15:25 | Guided questions by the moderator on NIAHS opportunities and expectations TBC: Morocco, RoK, China, Japan – 2 questions each | Ms Jeesuk Lee, Deputy Director, Rural Economy Division, MAFRA, RoK Ms Nahid ELBEZZAZ, Ministry of Agriculture, Morocco Prof. Xiande Li, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) Mr Akira Nagata, Agricultural Heritage Advisor, MAFF |
| Closure | ||
| 15:25 – 15:30 | Closing remarks | Jeremie Mbairamadji, GIAHS Coordinator |
Background & Rationale
Since the establishment of the GIAHS programme by FAO in 2002, and the subsequent recognition of sites across all continents, adapting the GIAHS approach to national contexts has become a key priority. This adaptation not only enabled the definition of national priorities but also created a framework through which rural policies and plans could be aligned with the GIAHS vision, while responding to the specific national and local needs. At the same time, it fostered stronger ownership, allowing the GIAHS approach to expand, deepen its roots at the local level, and strengthen both its community and its impact.
Japan has been a pioneer in recognizing and promoting agricultural heritage through its Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (J-NIAHS) framework, since 2013. This initiative complements FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) program by fostering national-level recognition, conservation, and sustainable management of traditional agricultural systems, supporting their survival through locally adapted rural development strategies.
Building on the longstanding experience of Japan, this webinar aims to provide a platform for knowledge-sharing among countries interested in establishing or strengthening their own national agricultural heritage systems.
The event will explore policy frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and practical implementation approaches that can be adapted to different national contexts.
Objectives
- Share Japan’s experience in developing and implementing NIAHS.
- Introduce the current panorama and opportunities offered by NIAHS frameworks worldwide
- Discuss challenges, best practices, and policy recommendations for scaling up NIAHS globally, e.g., through the global network.
- Foster dialogue among government representatives, experts, and stakeholders on integrating NIAHS into national policies.
What does GIAHS mean?
Watch the video and discover the Programme and its role in preserving agricultural heritage.
