A traditional saffron cultivation system in Iran, an argan-based agro-pastoral system in Morocco, and an ancient olive trees system in Spain today won recognition from FAO as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

All the sites feature unique ways to produce nutritious foods and/or spices using traditional knowledge and skills while improving local people’s livelihoods and preserving biodiversity.

The sites were designated by the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group based on selection criteria, including: global importance, their value as a public good in terms of supporting food and livelihood security, agro-biodiversity, knowledge systems, adapted technologies, cultures, and outstanding landscapes.

It is the third time that sites in Iran and Spain are added to the global agricultural heritage systems list and the second time for Morocco. FAO’s global agricultural heritage network now consists of 57 remarkable landscapes in 21 countries around the globe.

Read full original article at fao.org