Side Event
Adaptive Management of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS); Key to Biodiversity Conservation and Food security
Organizer
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS (FAO)
Date and Time
20 February 2008 13:15 - 14:45
Worldwide, specific agricultural systems and landscapes have been created, shaped and maintained by generations of farmers, herders and forest peoples, based on diverse natural resources, and using locally adapted management practices. Building on traditional knowledge and experience, these ingenious agricultural systems embrace rich and globally significant agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, valuable cultural inheritance, but, above all, in the sustained provision of multiple goods and services, food and livelihood security for millions of small scale, resource-poor farmers and indigenous communities. Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems are defined as "remarkable land use systems and landscapes which are rich in globally significant biological diversity evolving from the co-adaptation of a community with its environment and its needs and aspirations for sustainable development". However, many of these agricultural heritage systems are at risk of disappearing due to social, technological, economic and environmental changes. Within this context, the objective of the proposed side event is to highlight the role of GIAHS and associated knowledge systems in the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity, food and livelihood security and “right to food”. The side event will include presentations of the GIAHS initiative, experiences in dynamic conservation, as well as the opportunities and support offered by international/multilateral mechanisms to dynamic conservation and adaptive management of GIAHS, conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity and towards achieving food and livelihood security. Time will also be allocated for question and open discussion. MAIN MESSAGE: The role of GIAHS in conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity towards achieving food and livelihood security and ensuring right-to-food for everyone.