Tehran - Iran has joined the world’s top four countries for registering Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) under the FAO, with six traditional farming systems now internationally recognized - placing it alongside Spain.

 

According to Iran’s Ambassador to the FAO, the recognition highlights the country’s centuries-old agricultural practices that have withstood climate change and continue to support food security, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.

 

Iran’s registered systems include the Qanat-based agriculture of Kashan,theGrape and Raisin System of Jowzan-Malayer, and theQanat-based saffron farming of Qasabeh-Gonabad.

The ambassador emphasized that such recognition not only preserves Iran’s natural and cultural landscapes but also fosters rural tourism and helps brand local products. Globally, 102 GIAHS sites have been listed across 29 countries—led by China (25), Japan (17), South Korea (9), and Iran and Spain (6 each).