An Analysis of the Role of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) in the Preservation of Traditional Agricultural Knowledge

In the present era, the preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge as a component of the cultural and biological heritage of nations faces significant challenges. Among the initiatives addressing this issue, the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), offers unique capacities for safeguarding this intangible asset. This system integrates agro-ecological farming within a sustainable framework through a holistic and forward-looking approach, and is recognized as a credible model for rural development, the conservation of agricultural biodiversity, and the protection of indigenous agricultural culture and knowledge. GIAHS not only enables the identification and international registration of indigenous knowledge but also, by emphasizing continuity, dynamism, and local participation, creates the necessary conditions for genuine protection of this intangible heritage. The present article, employing a descriptive-analytical approach, examines the components of GIAHS and demonstrates how this framework aligns with the distinctive characteristics of traditional knowledge—such as its oral transmission, communal ownership, dynamism, and intergenerational nature—and facilitates its effective preservation. The findings indicate that GIAHS functions not only as an alternative mechanism to conventional intellectual property systems but also as a practical tool for documenting, revitalizing, and sustainably utilizing indigenous knowledge within local communities. Accordingly, it is recommended that national policymakers leverage the capacities of GIAHS to establish a comprehensive and reliable platform for safeguarding traditional knowledge.