Agroecology and GIAHS how can innovative systemic

approaches contribute to sustainable development?

Caterina Batello AGPME, FAO 23 March 2017

➢ GIAHS examples showcased in FAO Agroecology Symposia

➢ Identification of common elements and differences: - Agroecology focuses on sustainable food production & food systems

- Conservation and use of natural and genetic resources

traditional knowledge

Agroecology and GIAHS

Efficiency optimizing the use of natural

resources within farming

Balance securing

favourable soil conditions and self-regulation inside the food

system.

Diversity maximising species and

genetic resources across time and

space within food systems

Recycling reutilizing

nutrients and biomass inside

the system, increased use of

renewable resources

Synergies optimal crop/

animal assemblage, promoting ecological

functions for self-regulation

1. Food and livelihood security

❖ ❖ ❖

2. Agro-biodiversity ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Agroecology and GIAHS a common systemic approach

Elements of agroecological food systems

GIAHS Criteria

http://www.fao.org/agroecology/

Co-creation of knowledge

local and traditional

knowledge and innovation, based on local needs and local ecosystems

Human and social value

culture, identity, tradition, innovation and

knowledge of local communities and

livelihoods, focus on women’s and youth’s role

Circular economy

local solutions and local markets creating

virtuous cycles

Culture and food

traditions healthy,

diversified and culturally

appropriate diets

Land and NR governance

smallholder food producers as

sustainable managers and guardians of

natural and genetic resources

3. Local & Traditional Knowledge systems ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

4. Cultures, Value systems and Social Organisations

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

5. Landscapes and Seascapes Features ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Agroecology and GIAHS a common systemic approachElements of agroecological food systems

GIAHS Criteria

Agroecology and GIAHS common elements✓ How BIODIVERSITY is managed, preserved /regenerated

conservation of natural and genetic resources

ecosystem services for food production

building upon potentialities of territories, landscapes and communities

✓ How KNOWLEDGE is managed

combining local traditional knowledge and science

local ingenious innovation and scale up opportunities

✓ Valorization of CULTURE, local IDENTITY and proximity

capitalized through short value chains and circular economies

✓ CO-ADAPTATION of rural communities

increased resilience to climatic and economic stresses

Agroecology and GIAHS examples

Agroecology and GIAHS East Asia

Fuzhou Jasmine and Tea Culture System in Fujian province (2014)

Aohan Dryland Farming System in

Inner Mongolia Autonomous

Region (2012)

Urban Agricultural Heritage of Xuanhua Grape Garden in Hebei province (2013)

Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem in Jiangsu province (2014)

Agroecology and GIAHS East Asia

3 Mechanisms for dynamic conservation in China

1. Policy Incentive Mechanism

2. Multi-Stakeholders Participation Mechanism

3. Industrial Promoting Mechanism (development of GIAHS brand) o Favorable eco-environment and landscape o Strong national culture o Good quality of agri-products o Plenty of biological resources o Relative surplus labor forces o Exquisite traditional skills

Agroecology and GIAHS China

Cultural industry

Food processing industry

Agricultural production

Biological resources industry

Leisure agriculture and agrotourism

Agro-product

processing industry

Agroecology and GIAHS China

CREATION OF GIAHS BRAND • Different products (functional agri-products, distinctive agri-products,

special tourism routes, tourist souvenirs) • Development of high-end market • Absorbing more labors • Increase farmers’ income

Agroecology and GIAHS Latin America & the Caribbean

Chiloé Island, Chile

- Over 200 traditional varieties of potatoes - Strengthened local economies - Knowledge and biodiversity management - Institutional support - Territorial development and agroecology degree

(AE farmers as trainers) - Innovative rural tourism - “Learning territories” program with farmers

Agroecology and GIAHS Latin America & the Caribbean

Chinampas and Milpa Solar systems Mexico City

- 30% of the Mexico City food market - inclusion of women, as artisans and processors - intercropped fields with 3 principal species

(maize, beans and squash) - Participatory Guarantee Systems

Agroecology and GIAHS opportunities

GIAHS

Hubs for

- Natural and genetic

resources

- Ingenious traditional

knowledge

Living laboratories

Agroecology

Co-creation of

innovative

practice, science,

knowledge and

designs

Proper

institutional

support

Systemic

approaches to

agricultural

development

Framework to scale up sustainable & resilient food systems

Within FAO➢ SP2➢ Program of Work and Budget 2018-2019➢ RLC - RI II “Family farming and inclusive food systems for sustainable rural development” - FAO Regional Agenda for Agroecology in RLC focuses on “Preservation and valorization of agri-food systems with territorial identity” ➢ Asia & the Pacific Regional Initiatives

Sustainable development➢ SDGs 1, 2, 15➢ Climate Change & resilience interventions

Agroecology and GIAHS exploring opportunities

Cases studies and best practices to inform and scale up public policies for sustainable food systems

Thank youhttp://www.fao.org/agroecology/