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.
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both...
Afghanistan has been ranked last among 194 countries in the KidsRights Index 2026, as the Dutch-based foundation warned that children’s rights are f...
Days after Beijing imposed fresh restrictions on 56 U.S. companies, China's Ministry of Commerce said it remained committed to pursuing tariff cuts an...
Iran and the U.S. are at odds over planned talks in Doha, with Tehran denying any meeting is scheduled despite Washington preparing to send senior env...
Keiko Fujimori has emerged ahead in Peru's presidential run-off after electoral authorities completed the final vote count, bringing weeks of uncertai...
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the trend is supported by investment activity, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure projects.
The U.S. is deepening engagement with Central Asia on critical minerals as global competition for strategic resources intensifies. The issue dominated talks in Astana between Washington and the five Central Asian states.
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.
Fourteen people were killed on Sunday after a helicopter belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, according to Saudi state media.
Rescue teams raced on Sunday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing.
Eleven people were killed when a small plane carrying skydivers crashed near Nancy in eastern France on Sunday, local officials said.
The United States and Iran have agreed to halt strikes against each other, in a potential breakthrough after weeks of escalating tensions. The two sides are expected to meet in Doha on Tuesday to address their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country is going through a “difficult period”, but has learned much from it, according to state news agency TASS.
Türkiye’s electronic communications investments hit a record 263 billion lira ($5.6 billion) in the first quarter, marking a 1,300% year-on-year surge driven by 5G auction fees and rollout, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
WhatsApp is allowing users to reserve a username as an alternative to exchanging phone numbers to chat on the messaging service.
China has expanded export controls against 40 Japanese companies and institutions, adding 20 entities to its export control list and placing another 20 under heightened scrutiny in a move targeting Japan's defence and industrial sectors.
Apple is facing a £3 billion lawsuit in the United Kingdom after a competition tribunal approved a major collective action over its iCloud storage service.
China has opened its market to cashew nuts from all African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, removing a long-standing barrier that had restricted exports from much of the world's largest cashew-producing continent.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment