fnbnews.com – A traditional saffron cultivation system in Iran, an argan-based agro-pastoral system in Morocco, and an ancient olive tree system in Spain today won recognition from FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organization) as GIAHS (globally-important agricultural heritage systems).
All the sites feature unique ways to produce nutritious foods and/or spices using traditional knowledge and skills while improving local people’s livelihoods and preserving biodiversity.
The sites were designated by the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group based on selection criteria, including global importance, their value as a public good in terms of supporting food and livelihood security, agro-biodiversity, knowledge systems, adapted technologies, cultures and outstanding landscapes.
It is the third time that sites in Iran and Spain are added to the global agricultural heritage systems list and the second time for Morocco. FAO’s global agricultural heritage network now consists of 57 remarkable landscapes in 21 countries around the globe.
Saffron farming system based on Qanat irrigation in Gonabad, Iran
The Saffron farming system is located in Iran’s central plateau that has an arid and semi-arid climate. Severe water shortages in the area pose major threats to food security and livelihoods of local communities.