An integrated mountain agropastoral system in Tajikistan has become the first Central Asian addition to the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), - the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announced.
A pine tree agroforestry system and traditional bamboo and fishery system in the Republic of Korea and an agrosilvopastoral system in Portugal were recognized as well.
“As it extends to new regions and countries, the GIAHS network is once again demonstrating its distinctive role in showcasing agricultural systems that promote traditions nurtured by communities and ways of pursuing their livelihoods in harmony with nature,” said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of the FAO Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.
“As we confront the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity, the contribution age old ways to build resilience and use biodiversity sustainably is all the more vital in transforming our agrifood systems to keep up with the challenges,” - he added.
The systems were formally designated under FAO’s flagship programme during a meeting of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group held from 7 to 8 of July 2025. The newest additions bring FAO’s worldwide agricultural heritage network to 99 systems in 29 countries around the globe.
With rising interest from across the globe the GIAHS designations are set to exceed 100 by the time a Certificate Award Ceremony will take place on 31 October in the context of FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations.
In Tajikistan, Almosi Valley integrated agropastoral system combines seasonal transhumance of sheep with the cultivation of grapes, cereals, orchards, and vegetables across harsh mountain landscapes. Shaped over centuries, it supports food and livelihood security, conserves agrobiodiversity, and preserves cultural heritage. Rooted in ancestral knowledge, it sustains resilient communities facing soil erosion, water scarcity, and climate variability.
The valley hosts diverse ecosystems and a wide range of crops and livestock, including landraces of wheat, barley, and vegetables, and the local Hisori sheep. The Pink Toifi grape is central to the valley’s identity, valued for its quality and processed into raisins, syrup (shirini), juice, and wine.
Farming is guided by ancestral practices, including contour planting, organic fertilization, the Muchal calendar, guiding agriculture based on environmental cues, and ancient irrigation methods to conserve water.
Community management is coordinated through mahalla (neighbourhood) committees, family farms, cooperatives, and collective farms, ensuring knowledge transmission, shared resource use, and cultural continuity.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be one of a kind when it kicks off on 11 June, as it brings with it a slew of firsts ahead of co-hosts Mexico takin...
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported...
A Sudanese man has been arrested over a knife attack in Belfast that left a man seriously injured and prompted calls online for a protest after footag...
The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan's relative stability may not be sustainable unless the country's current authorities change policies af...
Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad arrived in Mexico wearing badges bearing the hashtag "168" in memory of victims of the deadly Minab school missile st...
Tajikistan is hosting the Fourth International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” from 25 to 28 May in Dushanbe, bringing together thousands of participants from governments, international organisations and financial institutions.
Tajik scientists have warned that glaciers in the Pamir Mountains are melting at an alarming rate, including in high-altitude areas previously considered relatively stable, following the country’s first direct winter glacier measurements since independence.
Tajikistan and China signed more than 50 agreements worth more than $8 billion during President Emomali Rahmon’s visit to Beijing, deepening economic ties and reinforcing China’s role as Tajikistan’s leading investor and creditor.
Samarkand is hosting the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where global leaders have gathered to discuss regional growth, as the bank unveils a major $70 billion initiative to strengthen energy and digital connectivity across Asia and the Pacific.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
A Sudanese man has been arrested over a knife attack in Belfast that left a man seriously injured and prompted calls online for a protest after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Iran and Israel have halted strikes on each other, but Tehran has warned it will recommence attacks if Israel continues military action in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun have meanwhile made pleas for peace.
Apple has unveiled a long-awaited upgrade to Siri, aiming to close the gap with technology rivals and emerging artificial intelligence firms in an increasingly competitive market.
ChatGPT maker OpenAI has confidentially filed for a U.S. initial public offering (IPO), the company said on Monday, joining rival Anthropic in a race to the stock market as investors seek exposure to the artificial intelligence boom.
Chinese carmakers are rapidly reshaping the global automotive market, with record exports, soaring electric vehicle sales and growing investments overseas putting pressure on established European, Japanese and U.S. rivals.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has begun its latest round of negotiations on creating the first binding global standards for platform-based work, covering services such as ride-hailing, food delivery and other app-based work.
European companies are continuing to deepen their presence in China, with nearly seven in ten firms maintaining or expanding their supply chains despite global efforts to diversify, according to a new survey by the EU Chamber of Commerce.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment