Did you know that Europe is home to seven of the world’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)? These feature natural landscapes and agricultural practices that create livelihoods in rural areas while combining rich ecosystems with unique tradition and innovation.
Italy, Spain, and Portugal host the current GIAHS network in Europe covering olive groves, vine landscapes, pastoral systems, and even irrigation systems. Each of the sites have been designated for their resilience in maintaining farmland biodiversity, traditional knowledge, unique cultures, and landscapes, sustainably managed by farmers, herders, fishers, and foresters in ways that contribute to their livelihoods and food security. Find out more about the GIAHS designation process.
