Comparative Investigation of the Nature and Key Characteristics of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in Asia

Abstract:

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative was launched by FAO in 2002. By the end of 2025, 103 sites had been registered worldwide. This study examines the nature and key characteristics of Asian GIAHS sites. To this end, the proposals of 17 out of 19 GIAHS sites in leading Asian countries—China (6), Japan (4), South Korea (4), and Iran (3)—which received certification in 2025, were analyzed using content analysis. The results show that Chinese sites emphasize antiquity and genetic resources; Japanese sites, inspired by the "Satoyama" concept, highlight adaptation to harsh environmental conditions; South Korean sites focus on indigenous techniques suited to natural events, particularly in aquatic ecosystems; and Iranian sites stress adaptation to water scarcity. Furthermore, synthesizing the conceptual foundations and proposal content reveals the shared characteristics and values of heritage systems as follows: their core is ecological adaptation and sustainable balance with nature, grounded in local knowledge and innovation; integrity and ecological cycles are their fundamental principle; synergy among components and ecosystems within the geographical area is key to their sustainability; and these systems preserve genetic resources while being embedded in socio-cultural contexts and sustainable livelihoods around shared values. Developing a GIAHS proposal is a professional narrative. In this regard, it is recommended to avoid a one-dimensional focus on value chains and instead place systemic features, synergy, and mutual ecosystem services at the center of the narrative, while emphasizing traditional, historical, and nature-adaptive traits as key attributes.