Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Today we highlight Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). Linked below is a short video from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that highlights GIAHS and the important rolls they play. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe!

Preserving these ancestral agricultural systems is vital for the future of food!

Discussion Points

• Explain what a GIAHS is. Feel free to do additional research if needed.
• What are examples of GIAHS shared in the video as well as additional GIAHS? Are there any GIAHS in your local community?
• Four benefits of GIAHS are shared in the video (provide food and livelihood security, promote agrobiodiversity, preserve natural resources, and promote agro-tourism). Explain how GIAHS provides these benefits.
• Of the four benefits mentioned in the video and above which do you feel is most important and why?

Agrobiodiversity Globally

Agrobiodiversity is a topic that seems to come up more and more lately and often is due to a concern for a lack of agrobiodiversity. This week we look at a column from a professor at Penn State University who shares his thoughts and findings on the topic. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations in your classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the globe.

Fewer Crops are Feeding More People Worldwide - And That's Not Good

Discussion Points

• What are the benefits of agrobiodiversity?
• The article shares why wealthy nations see less agrobiodiversity when compared to poorer countries. Why is this?
• Do you feel there can be a balance between "traditional crops" and "new crops" as discussed in the column? Explain your reasoning.
• In your opinion what is the future of agrobiodiversity around the world? Justify your thoughts.