FAO awards GIAHS certificates to two Iranian sites

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO) awarded the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)
certificate to two Iranian sites of the Qanat-based Saffron Farming System in
Gonabad and Grape Production System in Jowzan Valley.

During an event held on Monday 22 May 2023, FAO
Director-General, QU Dongyu, granted certificates of recognition to 24 new
GIAHS sites in 12 countries, Tehran Times reported.

Designated GIAHS in 2018, the sites are located in Brazil
(1), China (4), Ecuador (2), Iran (2), Italy (2), Japan (2), Korea (2), Mexico
(1), Morocco (2), Spain (3), Thailand (1) and Tunisia (2).

The two Iranian sites are situated in the provinces of
Khorasan Razavi and Hamadan. It is noteworthy that in 2014, the Qanat Irrigated
System of Kashan, Isfahan province has been designated as a Globally Important
Agricultural Heritage System.

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)
are communities that base their livelihoods and food security on their close
relationship with their surroundings. Through the GIAHS program, which
celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022, FAO has designated over 70 sites in 24
countries.

To be selected, each GIAHS candidate area must meet five
criteria established by an independent Scientific Advisory Group: food and
livelihood security, agro-biodiversity, local and traditional knowledge systems
cultures, value systems and social organizations, landscapes, and seascapes
features.

If selected, GIAHS are expected to fulfill their role in
revitalizing rural communities and promoting sustainable rural development,
with effective implementation of their action plans.

The GIAHS network is proving to be an effective model for
collaboration, with appropriate local governance systems while attracting
international and national partners, projects, and actions to increase
visibility and support farmers on the ground.