Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Traditional Farming Systems Recognized as Vital for Climate Resilience
Imagine farmers from long ago figured out super smart ways to grow food that still work today, even when the weather gets tricky.
Like in Spain, farmers made special holes in volcanic ash to protect plants from wind and save water for grapes.
In Mexico, people made farms on the water, which helps with floods and gives food.
In China, farmers grew different crops and trees to save the soil and water where it's very dry.
The United Nations is calling these places 'important heritage systems' because they show us how to take care of our planet and still have enough food.
They want to help these old ways not just be remembered, but used to help us all live better in the future, especially with climate change.
It's like learning from our grandparents to solve today's big problems.
Traditional farming practices from around the world are being recognized for their effectiveness in building climate resilience.
The FAO is adding 28 new agricultural heritage systems to its Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) list, bringing the total to 102 across 14 countries.
Examples include Lanzarote's vineyards adapted to volcanic ash, Mexico City's ancient chinampas (floating fields), and China's Aohan Dryland Farming System.
These heritage systems demonstrate that generational knowledge is a powerful resource for food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
The FAO aims to support these sites not just as historical relics but as 'living laboratories' for climate adaptation, backed by investment and tracking frameworks.
- Who
- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and communities worldwide.
- What
- Recognition of traditional agricultural heritage systems as crucial for climate resilience and adaptation, alongside the announcement of new Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
- When
- As part of FAO's 80th anniversary, with the recognition event on October 31st, and ongoing efforts in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31.
- Where
- Globally, with specific examples from Lanzarote (Spain), Mexico City (Mexico), and Northern China.
- Why
- To highlight that traditional, generational knowledge embedded in these systems offers proven, sustainable solutions for climate adaptation, food security, biodiversity conservation, and livelihoods, which can complement high-tech solutions.
- Event
- FAO's 80th Anniversary Recognition of Agricultural Heritage Systems
- Date of Recognition Event
- October 31
- New GIAHS Additions
- 28 systems across 14 countries
- Total GIAHS Systems
- 102
- Examples Highlighted
- Lanzarote vineyards, Mexico City's chinampas, Aohan Dryland Farming System (China)
- FAO Strategic Framework Goal
- The Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life