A Call for Indigenous People to Participate on the Heritage System Project
A FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION (FAO) Meeting

After two changes in the schedule, the presentation on the project "Globally Important Ingenious Agricultural Heritage Systems" (GIAHS) finally took place. Mr. David Boerma exposed briefly the objectives and means of the project after having explained the concept of a heritage system.

The project looks at agricultural systems which have existed for a long time and have adapted well to complex environmental situations. These systems are very effective in managing the resources, in the diversification of their products and the maximization of the interaction among the organisms of a particular ecosystem. They are basically rich in biodiversity and culture, and knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. And they have benefits in different aspects such as food and livelihood security (especially for the poorest of the world) because these systems are normally managed by marginalized populations. It has been shown that in the regions where heritage systems exist, biological and cultural diversity converge and have been instituted by indigenous people.

Even though FAO has encouraged modern agricultural technologies, it is aware that modern technology will not be as productive as these systems are where heritage systems exist. The conservation of these systems is not only about protecting the environment but also protecting human capital. Through this project, FAO's aim is to establish basis for international recognition, conservation and sustainable management of the GIAHS, their associate biodiversity as well as knowledge throughout the world. Specific action programs will be developed in 10 pilot programs, as well as other projects leveraged on global, regional and national policies and institutional support. The overall goal is to reach a situation where these systems would act as lighthouses for other systems or cultures which do not have such agricultural knowledge.

As indigenous people and their culture, these systems are also in danger. The main threats are related to globalization and modern lifestyle. In the context of this Working Group it is important to encourage indigenous people to participate and make proposal for projects.

By: Paula Bula

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