FAO Workshop on Globally Important Agricultural
Heritage Systems (GIAHS) for
Europe and Central Asia
©FAO/Cristiano Minichiello
Rome, Vallecorsa
29-30 May 2017
Contents FAO Workshop on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) for .................... 1
Europe and Central Asia ....................................................................................... 1
Executive Summary ........................................................................................ 3
Opening Remarks ........................................................................................... 4
Presentations ................................................................................................ 4
The GIAHS Programme and its implementation ...................................................... 4
GIAHS in the European Context ......................................................................... 5
Technical session on GIAHS Relevance for Global Issues ............................................ 5
Key ecosystem services for food and agriculture – The state of the World’s genetic resources
.............................................................................................................. 5
GIAHS and Agroecology: How can innovative systemic approaches contribute to sustainable
development?.............................................................................................. 6
Ancient wood pastures as social-ecological heritage sites .......................................... 7
Traditional land use and forestry in northernmost Europe – Human impact on landscapes and
the resulting cultural heritage .......................................................................... 8
Recognizing the interconnections of natural and cultural heritage in conserving agricultural
landscapes ................................................................................................. 8
Experiences from China and Japan on the implementation of Dynamic Conservation of
GIAHS ......................................................................................................... 9
The Dynamic Conservation of Agricultural Heritage Systems in Japan............................ 9
Experience of implementation of Dynamic Conservation in China ............................... 11
Potential GIAHS Sites in Europe and Central Asia ................................................... 12
The experience of the Italian National Registry of Historical Rural Landscapes ............... 12
The Historical grapevine hills of Soave, First Italian historical rural landscape ................ 12
Vallecorsa Terraced Olive Groves ..................................................................... 13
The Salt Valley System of Añana ...................................................................... 14
Agro-forestry system of Barroso, Portugal ........................................................... 14
Experiences of potential GIAHS sites in Turkey ..................................................... 15
Potential GIAHS sites in Georgia ....................................................................... 15
Field visit to the Historical Rural Landscape of Vallecorsa, Lazio, Italy ........................ 16
Annex 1 “Detailed Agenda” ............................................................................. 19
Annex 2 “Participants List” ............................................................................. 22
Executive Summary
The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) is a FAO programme that
aims at identifying, supporting and safeguarding remarkable agricultural, forestry and
fisheries production systems, with their livelihoods, agrobiodiversity, landscapes,
knowledge systems and cultures around the world.
Today, a major challenge facing humanity is how to achieve a sustainable agriculture,
being capable to provide multiple food and ecosystem services for present and future
generations, in an era of climate change, accelerated global environmental and landscape
degradation increasing world population. In this context, GIAHS has been serving as the
learning laboratory for identifying new ways to sustain the health of the ecosystems,
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and genetic resources for food,
agriculture, inheritance and development of locally adapted traditional knowledge
systems, local cultures and more importantly, building a bridge for a sustainable future.
Over the past decade, the GIAHS Initiative has been piloting an innovative model of
engaging rural communities, together with local and national governments, in the
adaptive management and dynamic conservation of their agricultural heritage systems.
Since the inception, 37 systems in 16 countries have been designated as GIAHS sites.
However, many important traditional agricultural systems around the world are still not
identified. The European and central Asian region, in this regard, has many agricultural
systems of global value, supported with remarkable knowledge and practices, outstanding
landscapes, unique cultures and valuable agro-biodiversity, while contributing to the
development of the rural territory.
The GIAHS Workshop for Europe and Central Asia was a fruitful occasion to exchange ideas
and think of potential GIAHS sites in the region, while listening to the experiences in other
GIAHS countries and having a thematic session to link the GIAHS approach to the main
issues faced in the current Sustainable Development Agenda. In total, 32 FAO Member
countries attended the meeting, including observer countries from other geographic
regions.
Opening Remarks
The Workshop was opened by Dr. René Castro Salazar, Assistant Director-General of the Climate,
Biodiversity, Land and Water Department (CB) of FAO.
After having thanked the governments of China, Japan and Italy for their support and facilitation
of the workshop and the field visit, and the participating delegates, he welcomed all the audience
to FAO.
Dr. Castro Salazar gave an overview of the work of GIAHS since its creation in 2002, to the most
recent developments as an FAO Corporate Programme. In particular, he emphasized the relevance
of GIAHS in the current development agenda, and especially the capacity of traditional agricultural
systems to adapt to the changing environment while conserving their cultural and environmental
values. Moreover, GIAHS brings the example of human activities which do not threaten natural
environments. On the contrary, the activity of rural communities living in the GIAHS sites has
made possible to maintain endemic crop varieties, flora, fauna and the magnificent landscapes
which have resulted.
Finally, Dr. Castro welcomed the inclusion of European and Central Asian in the GIAHS family, for
the important contribution that the experience of the countries in this region could bring.
Presentations
The first day of Workshop was dedicated to presentations on the GIAHS concept and its
implementation, as well as different types of country experiences on implementing GIAHS,
and potential GIAHS sites in the European and Central Asian region.
The GIAHS Programme and its implementation
Dr. René Castro Salazar, Assistant Director-General, Climate, Biodiversity, Land and
Water Department (CB) of FAO
Dr. Castro’s presentation aimed at introducing the GIAHS basic
concepts, such as its definition, the meaning of dynamic conservation,
tips to prepare and submit a GIAHS proposal to FAO, the designation
process and the role of Scientific Advisory Group, as well as examples
of designated GIAHS sites around the world.
The presentation emphasized that there are no GIAHS sites
recognized in the European and Central Asian Region, and that
the current FAO strategy on GIAHS is the expansion to new areas.
Therefore, this was an opportunity to stimulate discussions and
ideas on potential GIAHS sites in the area.
GIAHS in the European Context
Prof. Mauro Agnoletti, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Group of GIAHS
The second presentation of the introductory session was
dedicated to the possibilities of GIAHS to fit in the European
context and, in particular the European initiatives and laws
which are in line with the GIAHS concept.
Professor Agnoletti highlighted how, in the EU, among the
three types of landscapes (natural, agricultural and urban),
agricultural landscapes represent 77% of the area.
In the first conference for the implementation of the UNESCO-CBD Joint Programme for
linking biological and cultural diversity (Florence, 2014), it was declared that “…the
European rural territory is mostly a biocultural landscape”.
Prof. Agnoletti continued with an overview of the diversity of European landscapes and
exhibited some European Agricultural Heritage Systems (which could be potential GIAHS
sites in the future). In particular, he mentioned interesting examples in Ireland, Germany,
Poland, Austria, Portugal, Spain, France, Slovakia, Italy, and Greece.
Subsequently, the chairman focused on the interrelations among different systems
(economic, social and environmental), by giving an interesting outline of the threats and
challenges faced: industrialization of agriculture, biodiversity loss, loss of traditional
knowledge, industrial forestry, and abandonment of rural areas.
The presentation outlined the Common Agricultural Policy and other European initiatives
and plans (both at the regional and national levels).
Finally, Prof. Agnoletti concluded by stating that Europe has still an important agricultural
heritage and that many systems and ecosystems meet the conditions for being included in
the GIAHS programme. In particular, there are not specific programmes aimed at
conserving traditional agricultural landscapes and this is a great opportunity for FAO to
succeed in this region.
Technical session on GIAHS Relevance for Global Issues
Key ecosystem services for food and agriculture – The state of the World’s genetic
resources
Irene Hoffmann, Secretary, Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture
Ms. Hoffmann first introduced the work of the Commission on
Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the report on the
State of World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture,
emphasizing how this diversity has been managed by farmers for
hundreds of generations, reflecting the diversity of human
activities and natural processes at the same time.
A good point shown by Ms. Hoffmann is that agro-biodiversity is at its highest level in
traditional, extensive, heterogeneous agricultural systems, such as the GIAHS.
In fact the main drivers leading to biodiversity loss and genetic erosion are demand for
crop and livestock products, imports, policy factors, economic and lifestyle factors, crop
functions replacements and transition to intensive agriculture.
This biodiversity loss, also affects adaptability of these traditional systems to climate
change and other changes, which in the past has been the key to their conservation for
centuries. Greater biodiversity enhances the protective function, reduces exposure and
vulnerability by supporting livelihoods.
Ms. Hoffmann presented the monitoring activity regarding the implementation of the
Global Action Plans for Plant Genetic Resources. The monitoring activity have shown some
general trends since Rio 1992 such as the increase of multilateral agreements, increase of
protected areas, reduction of biodiversity, increase of ex-situ conservation
(biotechnologies), and loss of GRFA on farm.
One of the conclusions of this work is the recognition that Protected Areas are not
sufficient, but Genetic Resources need to be conserved through use. In this, GIAHS,
Agroecology, organic agriculture, among others, are excellent tools to conserve plant
genetic resources for food and agriculture. This is possible through holistic approaches,
social and economic considerations, and rights-based approaches, as well as labelled foods
and production systems, such as many of the GIAHS sites.
GIAHS and Agroecology: How can innovative systemic approaches contribute to
sustainable development?
Caterina Batello, Senior Officer and Team Leader of the Ecosystems Management
Team, FAO Agricultural Plant Production and Protection division (AGPME)
Ms Batello’s presentation focused on the linkages between
GIAHS and Agroecology, recalling many GIAHS examples
showcased in FAO Agroecology Symposia, as well as identifying
the common elements of the two programmes.
In particular, Agroecology focuses on sustainable food
production and food systems while GIAHS focuses on the
conservation of sustainable use of natural and genetic
resources and traditional knowledge, through the recognition
of traditional agricultural systems. Therefore the two concepts are similar for some
aspects, and could be complementary in others.
Ms Batello emphasized how Agroecology supports diversified systems, by encouraging
transition from unsustainable production to a more sustainable one, taking advantage of
traditional and scientific knowledge.
The common systemic approach of GIAHS and Agroecology was also highlighted. More
specifically, Agroecology elements and GIAHS criteria were put in relation to show the
areas of congruence and the diverging ones. It is clear from this comparison that mostly
the social and economic elements of Agroecology coincide with GIAHS, while the diverging
elements regard the technical and scientific part. In this sense, co-creation of knowledge,
human and social value, circular economy solutions, culture and food traditions, natural
resources governance, are the key elements for collaboration opportunities between the
two programmes. To synthetize the common elements, Ms Batello provided the following
list:
How Biodiversity is managed, preserved and regenerated;
How knowledge is managed;
Valorization of culture, local identity and proximity;
Co-adaptation of rural communities
Finally, examples of potential sites in the European and Central Asian Region were given.
The presentation concluded with a scheme on how sustainable and resilient food systems
could be scaled up, and how systemic approaches to agricultural development could serve
as proper institutional support to holistic approaches, such as GIAHS and Agroecology.
Ancient wood pastures as social-ecological heritage sites
Réka Tamás, Pogány-havas Association
Ms. Tamás gave a very interesting insight on Eastern Europe
wood-pastures and how European wood pastures provide ideal
arenas to integrate commodity production and ecological
sustainability, together with high cultural values. In fact, this
type of European landscapes are productive, but they are also
ecologically resilient and adaptive, harbor exceptional
biodiversity and are cultural hotspots.
Ms. Tamás highlighted how the composition of trees species in
wood pastures and the structure of their tree population have also been shaped by human
activity by logging, coppicing and pollarding, as well as through the indirect impact of
grazing on regeneration.
Subsequently, she presented many different types of European wood pastures, together
with their extension in the European area, classifying them by colors based on the pastures
in open woodland, pastures with sparse trees and pastures with cultivated trees. The
outcome is that Romania is one of the richest countries in wood pastures.
Ms. Tamás concluded by synthetizing the values of wood-pastures, in particular:
- Economic;
- Social;
- Ecological;
- Aesthetic;
- Cultural;
- Traditional knowledge; and
- Historical.
In conclusion, the recognition of ancient wood-pastures is seen as a good potential site
and wits recognition as GIAHS would certainly contribute to their correct conservation and
sustainable management.
Traditional land use and forestry in northernmost Europe – Human impact on landscapes
and the resulting cultural heritage
Lars Östlund, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Prof. Östlund presented a forest territory, which is inhabited by
the Sami, an indigenous community. This area of Sweden has
hundreds of hectares of forest, most of which are intact
protected forests, natural reserves or national parks. The Sami
territory crosscuts national borders, extending to Norway,
Finland and North-Western Russia.
Despite the impression of being an unfriendly environment, this
area of Europe is also a cultural landscape with a millennial
heritage of human land use and with extraordinary ecological values. These are examples
of ancient domesticated landscapes.
In this territory, trees are the key to understand the cultural legacy. One example is the
use of pine inner bark for food. It was harvested in June and could be stored for many
months.
Reindeers are another key resource for the Sami people, and they also have a relationship
with trees: during winter, they feed on lichens.
Another example is the use of trees for sacred purposes, with many legends and stories
related to this use (example of the Sami shaman Gouksak-gummo).
Finally, trees are used by local populations for firewood, but also for grazing (reindeers),
hunting, and plants harvest.
Recognizing the interconnections of natural and cultural heritage in conserving
agricultural landscapes
Nora Mitchell, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Vermont/IUCN member
Dr. Mitchell introduced the Category V of IUCN Protected
Landscapes and Seascapes. These are protected areas where the
interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area
of distinct character with significant ecological, biological, cultural
and scenic value, and where safeguarding the integrity of this
interaction is vital to protecting and sustaining the area and its
associated nature conservation and other values. These areas are
also living models of sustainable land and resource practices.
Other values linked to these landscapes are: associated traditional management
approaches, spiritual and cultural values, conservation of agrobiodiversity and wild
biodiversity, scenic quality, well-being and socio-economic activity through recreation
and tourism.
Dr. Nora Mitchell mentioned the Community Management of Protected Areas for
Conservation (COMPACT), an international project of UNESCO that engages communities
in stewardship of World Heritage Landscapes.
She also cited many definitions of cultural landscapes, which emphasize the interaction
of people with their environment over time. A relevant category of cultural landscape
which is relevant to the work of GIAHS is Category 2/ subcategory 2: a continuing evolving
landscape. Another relevant initiative is the World Rural Landscapes Initiative: this
initiative aspires to cooperate with other organizations and programmes, and GIAHS could
be one of those.
Finally Dr. Mitchell reminded how WHC encompasses a holistic view of the
interdependency of culture and nature (cultural landscapes and biocultural landscapes).
Experiences from China and Japan on the implementation of Dynamic
Conservation of GIAHS
The afternoon session of the workshop was dedicated first to the experiences of two
pioneering countries (Japan and China), and then to the presentation of potential GIAHS
sites by the delegates of Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Georgia, and Romania.
The Dynamic Conservation of Agricultural Heritage Systems in Japan
Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, FAO GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) Expert
Prof. Takeuchi explained the significance of GIAHS in Japan,
presenting how traditional agriculture, forestry and fisheries, the
related landscape (satoyama) and seascape (satoumi), traditional
culture, and biological diversity, are important assets of Japan.
However, similarly to other areas of the world, Japan is facing
inheritance problems, due to aging, depopulation, urbanization,
declining of agriculture forestry and fisheries, globalization, among
others.
For such reasons, Japan decided to adopt GIAHS as a model to
better conserve traditional agriculture, in a dynamic way. GIAHS was first applied in Japan
in 2010 and after a successful implementation, recently, the government has established
the NIAHS (Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) strategy, in 2016.
GIAHS in Japan has had the support of United Nations University (UNU) since the initial
stage. In fact, the GIAHS-related topics (agrobiodiversity, traditional agriculture, cultural
aspects) have been UNU focus areas since 1992. Finally, in 2011 the first Japanese GIAHS
sites were designated.
Today Japan counts 8 GIAHS and 8 NIAHS sites, evaluated by the National Steering
Committee for GIAHS and NIAHS.
An interesting aspect presented by Prof. Takeuchi is the certification schemes of GIAHS
products in Japan. This is a tool which has helped to increase the value of products.
Moreover, good strategies have been implemented, such as:
1) Collaboration between GIAHS sites, for product innovation;
2) Promotion campaigns and trade fairs (e.g. participation in Milan Expo);
3) Promotion of Agro-Tourism through GIAHS (in Sado, Noto and Kunisaki);
4) Cooperation from Business Enterprises;
5) Capacity building and human resource development;
6) Establishment of a Bio-Cultural corridor to promote Japanese biocultural diversity
(this corridor includes UNESCO and FAO-GIAHS sites);
7) Expanding the collaboration among Asian countries, by creating the East Asia
Research Association for Agricultural Heritage Systems (ERAHS), in 2013;
8) International cooperation and exchange, to support candidate sites in developing
countries on their GIAHS application (“twinning”);
9) Monitoring and evaluation of GIAHS in Japan;
10) Resilience assessment by local communities.
Prof. Takeuchi, finally provided an interesting scheme on how GIAHS could contribute
today to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Experience of implementation of Dynamic Conservation in China
Ms. Tong Yu’e, Director General of the Center of International Cooperation Service
(CICOS), Ministry of Agriculture, China
Ms. Tong first explained that the Chinese Ministry of
Agriculture welcomed the GIAHS approach as a tool to conserve
the significant traditional agricultural systems and tap the
potential to promote the sustainable development of
agriculture.
The actions put in place by the government of China to
promote GIAHS are:
1) Establishment of a close cooperation with FAO: signature of an MOU, placing GIAHS
among the priorities;
2) Selection of GIAHS sites (11 of them are designated);
3) Enabling policies and institutional environment, related to GIAHS activities;
4) Academic research;
5) Improving the visibility of GIAHS;
6) Monitoring and Evaluation activities on ecology, environment, economy, culture,
products, policies, etc.;
7) GIAHS was also promoted by China in international meetings, such as APEC (2014)
and G20 (2016);
8) Establishment of twinning programmes between agricultural heritages (e.g. Mexico
Chinampa Agriculture and Xinghua Duotian in China);
9) Establishment of 62 Chinese NIAHS sites;
10) Creating enabling policies, such as the administrative measures on GIAHS and
NIAHS;
11) Promotion and dissemination of the GIAHS concept in National Workshops;
12) Strengthening academic research, by creating a GIAHS/NIAHS Scientific Committee
with a multi-disciplinary group of experts;
13) Publication of many research papers and books on GIAHS;
14) Multi-channel promotion: albums, brochures, pamphlets, postcards, posters,
documentaires, etc.;
15) Promotion of GIAHS in China Agricultural International Exposition and Milan World
Expo ;
Ms. Tong finally summarized some of the benefits derived from the implementation of
GIAHS, in particular improved local farmer’s livelihoods, motivation of farmers and
stakeholders to be involved in GIAHS, increased pride of local farmers, and
enlightenment to modern agriculture.
Potential GIAHS Sites in Europe and Central Asia
The experience of the Italian National Registry of Historical Rural Landscapes
Dr. Emilio Gatto, Director General, Department of Rural Development, Ministry of
Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, Italy
Dr. Gatto made an introductory speech on the experience of Italy
for the protection of traditional rural landscapes at the National
level. This category of registered landscapes, once recognized by
the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, are
eligible to apply for GIAHS recognition, through the same Ministry.
Dr. Gatto explained the features and criteria which are necessary
to apply as an Italian Historical Rural Landscape, in particular:
1. Integrity;
2. Persistence;
3. Uniqueness;
4. Vulnerability;
5. Number of stakeholders/actors involved in the system, in relation to the
agricultural land covered.
Dr. Gatto concluded by welcoming the collaboration between FAO and Italy (following the
signature of the MoU on GIAHS0, and in particular announced that the Government of Italy
will sponsor a six-month international master course on GIAHS for developing countries.
The course will be held at University of Florence and will sponsor students entirely during
their stay in Florence. The main objective is to train government officials and other
country representatives to become GIAHS expert focal points, as well as to assist the
participating countries in the identification of potential GIAHS sites and submission of
their GIAHS proposals.
The Historical grapevine hills of Soave, First Italian historical rural landscape
Prof. Viviana Ferrario, University of Venice (IUAV)
Prof. Viviana Ferrario introduced the experience of the
Consortium of Soave producers in their application and
recognition as an Italian Historical Rural Landscape, as an
important acknowledgement of the long-standing conservation
of local traditional knowledge, practices and landscape
features, as well as their strong connection with the local socio-
economic system.
The geographic area of Soave (between Venice and Verona) has
been suited to agricultural production since ancient times, in particular for viticulture and
olive groves. Soave is a small medieval town and its famous high quality white wine takes
the name of the town and its castle.
Despite the intense cultivation of wine, this area uses traditional viticulture and crops are
mixed with varied spontaneous vegetation, such as meadows and forests, all on a
diversified soil with exposed rocks and slopes. This allow the subsistence of many plant
and animal species.
Prof. Ferrario explained the specificity producing the wine, which name is pergola
veronese, with the function of protecting grapes from excess of solar radiation. It is a
persistent landscape dating back to the High Middle Age. This system does not allow
mechanization and therefore pruning is done by hand, with a considerable increase of
costs and vulnerabilities, including aging of farmers.
Recognizing this area would raise awareness on the values incorporated in this landscape
and would be a driving force for its conservation.
Vallecorsa Terraced Olive Groves
Dr. Giorgia De Pasquale, University Roma Tre
Arch. Giorgia De Pasquale, introduced the rural landscape of
Vallecorsa, the site which was object of a field visit during this
workshop.
Dr. De Pasquale introduced this area as the 4th recognized Italian
Historical Rural Landscape, and the first registered in the Region of
Lazio.
The name of Vallecorsa derives from “Valis cursae” (in Latin) which refers to the area that
covers the ancient valley – an important route that connects the inner sites with the coast.
The main feature of the valley is that it is surrounded by big calcareous rocks, in which
olive trees were planeted from 300 to 700 m a.s.l. Slopes are often extreme and this is
why local populations invented the construction of stone walls, creating terraces which
are mixed with “natural terraces” made by rocks. Dry-stone walls are called “macère”
and their function is to protect the soil from erosion, olive trees from fire, to guarantee
water and constant temperature to the soil, to build stairs, roads, and traditional rural
buildings. The area is around 700 ha.
Activities in this area include olive cultivation, and wood pastoralism.
Stone terraces are part of the local culture and values and thanks to this heritage the
terraces have survived the crisis of family agriculture. This particular landscape is part of
the local identity and sense of place in Vallecorsa. Its recognition as a GIAHS would allow
awareness raising and conservation of the landscape features as well as the cultural
values, for future generations.
The Salt Valley System of Añana
Andoni Erkiaga Agirre, Director of the Salt Valley Foundation, Spain
Mr. Andoni Erkiaga Agirre presented a potential GIAHS site located
in the North-East of Spain, called Valley of Añana, in the
Autonomous Community of the Basque Country.
This system consist in many wood, stone and clay platforms, built
up in the hills, to canalize the salted water springs into
evaporation pans. The distribution canals have a length of
approximately 4 km, following gravity for an easier distribution
from canals to storage wells. Produced salt is stored every two days in salt warehouses
and in summer the salt is transferred to the packaging site.
Historically, this system has existed for approximately 7000 years and is an example of
landscape built in collaboration between man and nature, combining architecture, human
life and water resources management. Today, over 50% of the existing salt-pans surface
is under production.
Finally, Mr. Erkiaga Agirre introduced the work of the Salt Valley Foundation to achieve
sustainable local development in this area, since its creation in 2009. In particular,
restoration of terraces, commercialization of local products, and awareness raising
activities.
Agro-forestry system of Barroso, Portugal
Marco Fachada, Development association of Alto Tamega
Mr. Marco Fachada presented the potential site of Barroso, in
Portugal. This area is located in Alto Tâmega Region. This is
mainly a mountainous area, with highlands and plateaus, crossed
by many rivers and streams. The area presents an integrated
landscape, since most of the territory is covered by semi-natural
pastures, followed by forests and agro-forestry systems. The area
is very important for extensive pasturing and wood production.
The main activities of local farmers are: cattle breeding, forages and cereals, fresh
vegetables, honey, and food processing. The economy of the region is based on beef in an
extensive production system. There are two autochthonous breeds (Barrosa and
Maronesa), protected by the designation of protected origin (DPO). There are also three
autochthonous types of sheeps, and goats which are protected under a GPI label. There is
also a local breed of horses, which is very famous from this area.
This geographic area counts a high number of species, presenting a high biodiversity in
flora and fauna, as well as a high ingenuity of local communities for the management of
natural resources.
Experiences of potential GIAHS sites in Turkey
Dr. Burcu Tarıkahya Hacıoğlu, Coordinator of Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Ministry
of Food, Agriculture and Land, Turkey
Dr. Burcu Tarıkahya Hacıoğlu presented the collaboration between FAO
and the Government of Turkey to identify potential GIAHS sites. Thanks
to a partnership agreement, pilot sites were identified in Turkey and
Azerbaijan.
In particular, three sites in the province of Diyarbakır:
1. Traditional natural dyeing and weaving systems;
2. Karacadag rice production systems;
3. Traditional cheese production.
One potential site was identified in Mardin: Sultan Seyhmus fig production systems.
Two in Kilis:
1. Kilis Karası grape production systems;
2. Olive production systems.
In conclusion, Dr. Burcu highlighted how 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 program in Azerbaijan and Turkey. She highlighted the importance for FAO
to start a second phase of GIAHS in the country which should take into account the promotion of
GIAHS products, and the monitoring of the social and economic impact, but also the global
environmental benefits of implementing the programme.
Potential GIAHS sites in Georgia Giorgi Ghambashidze, Head of Laboratory, Soil fertility research Service, Scientific-Research
Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Georgia
Dr. Ghambashidze presented a potential GIAHS site in his country, which is the Mesketian terraces.
According to historical sources, this system was known since the
Byzantine times (VI Century) for production of vine and fruit, today
called “oroko”.
Meskhetian terraces may have more than 50 floors constructed by
stones and can reach 200 m in height and have unique architecture,
since they are designed in consideration of exposition, wind direction
and irrigation.
Many endemic species originated from this area, in particular 5 species
of wheat: Makha, Celta zanduri, Dika, Zanduri, Kolhuri asli.
Field visit to the Historical Rural Landscape of Vallecorsa, Lazio, Italy
The second day of this workshop was dedicated to the visit of a Historical Rural Landscape, which
was recognized by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture in 2017.
1
The participants had the chance to visit the olive terraced fields and to exchange opinions with
local farmers, the Mayor and the members of the farmer’s cooperative “La Carboncella” who
hosted the visit of 65 participants from 36 countries.
1 All photos to be credited to ©FAO/Cristiano Minichiello
The local organizers gave the participants the chance to assist to the construction of a typical
stone wall and to learn the ancient building technique, which is still used today.
Finally, the group visited two oil mills, one of which is the communal oil mill owned by local
farmers.
Annex 1 “Detailed Agenda”
GIAHS Workshop for Europe and Central Asia
29-30 May 2017, FAO HQ, Iraq Room (A-235)
Agenda and Timetable
29 May 2017
Ideas and Experience-Sharing on GIAHS in Europe and Central Asia
9:20 – 9:30
Welcome Remarks René Castro Salazar, Assistant Director-General, Climate, Biodiversity, Land and Water Department
9:30 – 9:40
Brief introduction of the entire workshop schedule Clelia Maria Puzzo, GIAHS Coordinator
9:40 – 9:50
Group Photo
Session 1 Introduction and overview of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)
09:50 – 10:10
FAO GIAHS programme and its implementation René Castro Salazar, Assistant Director-General, Climate, Biodiversity, Land and Water (CB)
10:10 – 10:30
GIAHS in the European Context Mauro Agnoletti, Professor, University of Firenze, Chairman of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group (SAG)
10:30 – 10:50
Q&A Session
10:50 – 11:10
Coffee Break
Session 2 GIAHS Relevance for Global Issues 11:10 – 11:25
GIAHS, Biodiversity and Climate Change: the state of Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Irene Hoffmann, Secretary, Commission of Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)
11:25 – 11:40
GIAHS and Agro-Ecology Caterina Batello, Senior Officer and Team leader of the Ecosystem Management team, FAO’s Agricultural Plant Production and Protection Division
11:40 – 11:55
Social-ecological values of ancient wood-pastures in Eastern Europe Tamás Réka, Pogány-havas Association, Romania
11:55 – 12:10
Traditional agriculture and forestry in northernmost Europe – human impact on landscapes and the resulting cultural heritage Prof. Lars Östlund, Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
12:10 – 12:25
Recognizing the interconnections of natural and cultural heritage in conserving agricultural landscapes Nora Mitchell, Adjunct Professor, University of Vermont. Member of IUCN WCPA and ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes
12:25 – 12:35
Q&A Session
12:35 – 13:30
Lunch Break
Session 3 Country Experiences on GIAHS and lessons learned 13:30 – 14:00
Implementation of Action Plans for Dynamic Conservation in Japan Kazuhiko Takeuchi, United Nations University (UNU), Member of GIAHS SAG
14:00 – 14:30 14:30 – 14:50
Implementation of Action Plans and Coordination with UNESCO World Heritage: Experiences of Implementation of Dynamic Conservation in China Tong Yue, Director General of Center of International Cooperation Service (CICOS), MOA Q&A Session
14:50 – 15:10
Coffee Break
Session 4 GIAHS-Relevant Activities and Potential Sites in Europe and Central Asia 15:10 – 15:30
The Experience of the Italian National Registry of Historical Rural Landscapes Emilio Gatto, Director General, Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Agricultural, Food and forestry policies, Italy Soave Grapevine Hills Viviana Ferrario, Iuav University of Venice, Department of Architecture and Arts Vallecorsa terraced olive groves Giorgia De Pasquale, University Roma Tre, Department of Architecture
15:30 – 15:50
Salted Valley of Anaña: Potential GIAHS Site in Spain Andoni Erkiaga Agirre, Director of the Salt Valley Foundation, Spain
15:50 – 16:10
Potential GIAHS sites in Portugal Marco Fachada, Development Association of Alto Tâmega's Region, Portugal
16:10 – 16:30
Experiences of Potential GIAHS Sites in Turkey Burcu Tarikahya Hacioglu, Coordinator of Working Group for Biodiversity and Researches in Genetic Resources, Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock
16:30 – 16:45
Potential GIAHS sites in Georgia Maia Beruashvili, Giorgi Gambashidze, Ministry of Agriculture, Georgia
16:45 – 17:00
Heritage and future of the GIAHS - Global Center of Excellence for Advanced Research in Sericulture and Promotion of Silk Production in Romania (GCEARS)
Q&A Session Prof. Daniel S. Dezmirean, director of GCEARS- PSP, University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania
17:00 – 17:30
Wrap up discussion and closure of the meeting
30 May
Field visit to the Traditional Terraced Olive Orchards of Vallecorsa
(Provisional)
8:00 Departure from FAO (Piazza di Porta Capena)
9:30 Arrival in Vallecorsa, Opening Ceremony and Welcome Remarks, breakfast
10:00 – 10:30
Guided visit to the historical center of Vallecorsa
11:00 – 12:30
Visit to the olive terraces of Vallecorsa with short demonstration on the techniques to build a traditional olive tree stone wall
12:30 – 15:00
Lunch at “Valle Degli Ulivi”, exhibition and tasting of local products
15:00 – 16:30
Visit to two local oil mills
16:30 Departure from Vallecorsa
Annex 2 “Participants List”
Name
Title/Institution Country
1 Emilio Gatto Director General, Rural Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture
Italy
2 Andoni Erkiaga Agirre Director of the Salt Valley Foundation Spain
3 Ms Tong Yue Director General of Center of International Cooperation Service (CICOS), MOA China
4 Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi UNU University / Member of Scientific Advisory Group Japan
5 Prof. Lars Östlund Dept of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Sweden
6 Mr. Tamas Reka Pogány-havas Association Romania
7 Ms. Burcu TARIKAHYA HACIOGLU
Coordinator of Working Group for Biodiversity and Researches in Genetic Resources
Turkey
8 Nora Mitchell
Adjunct Professor, University of Vermont/Member IUCN WCPA and ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes USA
9 Mauro Agnoletti Chairman of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group
Italy
10 Maia Beruashvili
Head of the Food Safety Division, Agriculture and Food Department / Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia Georgia
11
Mr. Giorgi Gambashidze
Head of the Laboratory of Soil Fertility Research Service, Scientific-Research Center of the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia Georgia
12 H.E. Hans Hoogeveen Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the UN Organizations for Food and Agriculture Netherlands
13 Hannah van Vorselen
Junior Professional Officer, Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN Organizations for Food and Agriculture Netherlands
14 Harry Ozier Lafontaine
Director and Regional Representative for Guadeloupe Guyane Martinique/ Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA), France France/Guadeloupe
15
Aimilia Drougas Geologist-Oceanographer/ MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD/ GEN. DIRECTORATE OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION Greece
16 Mr. Namig Mammadov Head of Science and education department of
Ministry of Agriculture Azerbaijan
17
Ms. Iren Melkonyan
Senior Specialist of Division for Cooperation with International Organizations of Foreign Relations Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia Armenia
18 Prof. Cornel Catoi
Rector of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca Romania
19 Prof. Daniel Dezmirean
Dean of Faculty of Animal Sciences And Biotechnology Romania
20 Vlad Mustaciosu Permanent Representation Romania
21 Laura Lorenzo World Rural Forum
Spain
22 Isabelle Miallet-Serra Permanent representation of France to FAO France
23 Maya Federman
Alternate Perm Rep, Permanent Representation of Israel to the UN Agencies Israel
24 Andrei Tribush
Counselor of Department of Multilateral Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Belarus
25 Marieta Okenkova Permanent Representative Slovakia
26 Boglárka Ivanegová Alternate Permanent Representative Sovakia
27 Meritxell Roquet Porta
Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Sustainable Development Andorra
28 Ms Viktória Schuster
Department of EU and FAO Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture Hungary
29 Ms Dóra Egri
Assistant, Permanent Representation of Hungary to FAO Hungary
30 François Pythoud Permanent Representative Switzerland
31 Hélène Gonnet Academic Intern, Permanent Representation Switzerland
32 H.E. Yevhen Perelygin Ambassador of Ukraine in Italy Ukraine
33 Alexander Kapustin
Alternate Permanent Representative of Ukraine to FAO Ukraine
34 Şenay Boyraz Topaloğlu
Ministry of Agriculture, Seed Gene Bank Turkey
35 Rafael Fernández Local Government of Andalusia Spain
36 António Cerca Miguel Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development Portugal
37 Marco Fachada Development Association of Alto Tâmega’s Region Portugal
38 Maria Vittoria Briscolini
Director, Office of Agriculture, Environment and agrotourism Italy
39 Costanzo Massari Office of Agriculture, Environment and agrotourism Italy
40 Vincenzo Montalbano Office of Agriculture, Environment and agrotourism Italy
41 Davide Liberati Office of Agriculture, Environment and agrotourism Italy
42 Leila Maria Morelli Office of Agriculture, Environment and agrotourism Italy
43 Itzel Inti Maria Donati Office of Agriculture, Environment and agrotourism Italy
44 Graziella Romito Director, Office of International Relations and EU Italy
45 Silvia Nicoli Office of International Relations and EU Italy
46 Giulio Cardini Office of International Relations and EU Italy
47 Elisabetta Lanzellotto Office of International Relations and EU Italy
48 Viviana Ferrario
University of Venice – Department of Cultural projects Italy
49 Chiara Mattiello Italy
50 Giorgia De Pasquale University Roma Tre – Department of Architecture Italy
51 Aldo Lorenzoni
Consortium for the protection of Soave and Recioto di Soave wines Italy
52 Pierfrancesco Sacco
Permanent Representative of Italy to the UN Organizations in Rome Italy
53 Davide Bradanini
Second Secretary, Permanent representation of Italy to the UN Organizations in Rome Italy
54 Mr. Shao Jiancheng Division Director of Agri-Tourism, MOA
China
55 Mr Xu Ming Division Director of CICOS, MOA
China
56 Igor LUKIC
Assistant Permanent Representative of the Republic of Austria Austria
57
Prof., Dr. Nodar Elizbarashvili
Head of Department of Regional Geography and Landscape Planning of Tbilisi State University, Georgia. Head of IGU Commission of Landscape Analysis and Landscape Planning. Georgia
58 Dr. Mateja Šmid Hribar
Anton Melik Geographical Institute, Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts Slovenia
59 Dr Alexandra Kruse
Secretary General, Institute for Research on European Agricultural Landscapes (EUCALAND) Germany
60 Ms. Tian Jiani Second Secretary, Permanent Representation
China
61
Paul Scholefield
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue United Kingdom
62 Andrea Galli Landscape Research Center, Università Politecnica
delle Marche Ancona Italy
63 Mirela Cordea Professor, Cluj Napoca University
Romania
64 Zhorobaev Zhanibek Ministry of Agriculture, Food Industry and
Melioration Kyrgystan
65
Rakhmonov
Abdusator Ministry of Agriculture Tajikistan
66 Ernesto Migliori Regional Government – Lazio
Italy
67 Michele Antoniani Mayor of Vallecorsa
Italy
68 Anelio Ferracci Deputy Mayor of Vallecorsa
Italy
69 Luca Ricci President of “La Carboncella” – Farmer’s
cooperative, Vallecorsa Italy
70
Sandra Kiesow PhD student, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Institute for Ecosystem Research, Kiel Germany
71 Emine Cigdem Asrav PhD Student, Politecnico di Torino
Italy
72 Francesca Farioli Italian Association for Sustainability Science (IASS)
Italy
73 Daniela Bianchi Honorable Member of the Regional Council of Lazio
Italy
74 José Luis Ceciliano Permanent Representation to FAO
Costa Rica
75 Marco Focacci Italian International Cooperation for Development
Italy
76 Hasmik Balyan Yerevan State University, Physical Geography And
Hydrometeorology Armenia
77
Claudia Guevara de
la Jara Minister Councelor, Permanent representation to FAO Peru
78 Diana Calderón Second Secretary, Permanent Representation to
FAO Peru
79
Esperanza Perea
Acosta Regional Government of Andalusia Spain
80 Lourdes Magaña de Larriva
Advisor, EU Delegation in Rome EU
81 Giacomo Ferretti Intern, EU Delegation in Rome
EU
82 Antonio Santoro University of Florence
Italy
83
H.E. Ambassador
Mario Arriola Alternate Permanent Representative of Mexico Mexico (Rome based)
84 H.E. Martha Barcena Permanent Representative of Mexico to FAO Mexico (Rome
based)
85
María de los Ángeles
Gómez Aguilar Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Mexico to FAO
Mexico (Rome based)
86 Dr. Heiner Thofern Deputy Permanent Representative of the Federal
Republic of Germany to FAO Germany (Rome)
87 Galina Jevgrafova Alternate Permanent Representative of Estonia to
the FAO and IFAD Estonia (Rome)
88 Antonio Flores Counselor, Permanent Representation of Spain to
FAO Spain (Rome)
89 Beatriz Zamora Permanent Representation of Spain to FAO
Spain (Rome)
90 Marina Dobrenko Permanent Representation of Spain to FAO
Spain (Rome)
91 Edgar Mora Mayor of Curridabat Costa Rica
92 Marcel Soler Mayor of Montes de Oca Costa Rica
93 Jorge Ruiz Mayor of Pedasí Panama
94 Jannia Samuels Mayor of Colón Panama
95 Arturo Ureña ACICAFOC Costa Rica
96 Diego Sotomayor INIA Peru Peru
97 Érika Zárate Baca Director of Alternative Trade, Ministry of Agriculture Ecuador
98 Irene García Municipality of Curridabat Costa Rica
99 Pamela Bertín INDAP – Government of Chiloé
Chile
100 Dr. Andrea Sisti President, Consiglio dell’Ordine Nazionale dei
Dottori Agronomi e dei Dottori Forestali (CONAF) Italy
101 Uta Zorzi AIAPP Italy
102 Stefano Mori Centro Internazionale Crocevia Italy
103 Giulia De Angelis AIAPP Italy
104 Angelica Jacome Permanent Representative Panama
105 René Castro Salazar
Assistant Director-General, Climate Biodiversity Land and Water Department Rome
106 Yoshihide ENDO GIAHS Coordinator Rome
107 Zhe Xiong GIAHS Secretariat Rome
108 Clelia Maria PUZZO GIAHS Secretariat Rome
109 Xiaoxiao WANG GIAHS Secretariat Rome
110 Aurelie Fernandez GIAHS Secretariat Rome
111 Hiroyuki Ono GIAHS Secretariat Rome
112 Christiane Kessl GIAHS Secretariat Rome
113 Emna Belgasmi DDN Rome
114 Irene Hoffmann Secretary of CGRFA Rome
115 Hivy Ortiz Forestry Officer, FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) Chile
116 Caterina Batello
Agricultural Plant Production and Protection Division, FAO Rome
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