GIAHS in Korea
1. Background
A Repository of Traditional Knowledge and Solutions
- -Traditional agricultural knowledge and practices contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda).
- -They offer alternative solutions to modern agricultural, environmental, and social challenges.
Preservation of Livelihoods, Ecosystems, and Culture
- -GIAHS addresses food security and the erosion of cultural values caused by unsustainable agriculture and land use.
- -These systems effectively manage resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems based on traditional and evolved knowledge and technologies.
- -These systems effectively manage resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems based on traditional and evolved knowledge and technologies.
Foundations for Agricultural Innovation and Cultural Diversity
- -GIAHS provides alternative models to modern agricultural systems.
- -Traditional systems serve as the basis for future agricultural technology development.
- -They play a critical role in preserving the cultural, historical, and traditional diversity of global communities.
2. Designation Criteria and Status
Designation Criteria
- Food and Livelihood Security
- Supports food supply and livelihoods in local communities through various forms of self-sufficient agriculture and exchange systems.
- Agro-biodiversity
- Includes a wide range of animals, plants, and microorganisms directly or indirectly used in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and livestock, along with associated genetic resources.
- Local and Traditional Knowledge Systems
- Involves adaptive technologies and management systems for biological resources, land, and water tailored to the local environment.
- Culture, Value Systems, and Social Organizations
- Encompasses community norms and practices ensuring equitable access to resources and contributing to the dynamic conservation of agricultural systems.
- Landscape and Seascape Features
- Refers to slowly evolving land and sea environments shaped by long-term human-nature interaction.
food_bank
eco
psychology
groups
landscape
Current Status (as of July 2025)
- 99 sites in 29 countries have been designated GIAHS.
- By region: - Asia and the Pacific (incl. Korea): 63 sites - Africa: 4 sites - Europe and Central Asia: 14 sites - Latin America and the Caribbean: 9 sites - Near East and North Africa: 9 sites
3. GIAHS Sites in Korea (Total: 9)
지도
- Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces in Cheongsando (2014)
- Jeju Batdam Agricultural System (2014)
- Traditional Hadong Tea Agrosystem in Hwagae-myeon (2017)
- Geumsan Traditional Ginseng Agricultural System (2018)
- Damyang Bamboo Field Agriculture System (2020)
- The Sonteul (hand net) Fishery System for gathering Marsh Clam in Seomjingang River (2023)
- Jeju Haenyeo Fisheries System (2023)
- Traditional Jukbangryeom Fishery System in Jijok Straits (2025)
- Uljin Pinetree Agroforestry System (2025)
※ Source: FAO GIAHS (https://www.fao.org/giahs/en)
※ Photo Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs / Korea Fisheries Infrastructure Public Agency