The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?
- To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods, and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity
- To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity, and knowledge systems of the local communities.
- To provide Geographical Inclination status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
- FAO launched the GIAHS programme at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002 in response to global threats to family farming and traditional agricultural systems, such as climate change, community displacements and biodiversity loss.
- The GIAHS programme does not primarily aim to boost agricultural productivity through modern techniques. Rather, it seeks to conserve traditional farming systems, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable land-use practices that have developed over centuries
Statement 2 is correct
- The main objective of GIAHS is to recognise and safeguard distinctive agricultural systems that contribute significantly to global biodiversity, cultural heritage, and food security.
- GIAHS are unique land use systems and landscapes full of life and biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, and valuable cultural heritages managed by farmers, herders, fisherfolk, and tribals.
- UN FAO leads the GIAHS programme, which helps identify ways to mitigate threats faced by these systems and their people.
- Since 2005, FAO has designated 86 systems in 26 countries as agricultural heritage sites.
- GIAH sites in India:
- Pampore Saffron Heritage, Jammu & Kashmir (2011)
- Koraput Traditional Agriculture, Odisha (2012)
- Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System, Kerala (2013)
Statement 3 is incorrect
- Although some GIAHS products may be eligible for Geographical Indication status, it is not granted automatically.
