FAO Adds Unique Agricultural Systems from Austria, Indonesia, and São Tomé and Príncipe to GIAHS List

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recently added three unique agricultural systems to its Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) program, highlighting their cultural and environmental significance. These new additions include Austria’s carp pond farming system, Indonesia’s salak agroforestry system, and São Tomé and Príncipe’s cocoa agroforestry system. The formal designation was made on September 19 by the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group.

These newly recognized systems, the first from Indonesia and São Tomé and Príncipe, and the second from Austria, demonstrate the FAO’s ongoing efforts to spotlight agricultural practices that contribute to food security, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Now comprising 89 systems across 28 countries, the GIAHS program promotes agro-biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and sustainable farming practices that are vital to the global fight against climate change.

Austria’s Unique Carp Pond Farming System

Austria's Waldviertel region is home to a 900-year-old carp pond farming system that stands as a model of sustainable aquaculture. The system employs low stocking densities and traditional techniques to maintain a diverse pond ecosystem. This environmentally friendly approach not only supports biodiversity but also conserves water and preserves the area’s cultural heritage.

In addition to high-quality carp production, the system has evolved to incorporate agrotourism and innovative products like carp leather accessories, boosting the local economy. The ponds also offer essential ecological services, such as flood control, water retention, and carbon sequestration, while providing habitats for various species, thereby contributing to regional biodiversity.

Salak Agroforestry System in Bali, Indonesia

Located in the driest part of Bali, the Karangasem region, the salak agroforestry system integrates the cultivation of salak, or snake fruit, with other crops like mangoes, bananas, and medicinal plants. This system was developed using the Indigenous Balinese subak system, which optimizes water management to support food security, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

The salak palm is a zero-waste crop, as every part of the plant is utilized. This agroforestry system, rooted in traditional Balinese philosophies, reflects a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, and has earned recognition as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape.

Cocoa Agroforestry in São Tomé and Príncipe

Known for producing high-quality Amelonado cocoa, São Tomé and Príncipe’s cocoa agroforestry system combines cocoa cultivation with other crops like bananas and breadfruit. This method enhances food security, strengthens local livelihoods, and preserves biodiversity. The country, a leader in organic farming, has over 25% of its agricultural land certified organic.

Despite a challenging history marked by enslavement and inequality, the people of São Tomé and Príncipe have embraced sustainable farming practices. Local cooperatives, involving both men and women, produce high-quality, fair-trade products, further supporting the region’s socio-economic resilience.

These newly designated GIAHS sites highlight the value of traditional agricultural systems in addressing contemporary challenges, such as climate change and food security.