Two traditional agricultural landscapes in Chile—shaped over centuries by the knowledge and practices of Indigenous communities in the northern Andean highlands and the southern mountain ranges—have been officially recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). With these additions, Chile now has three GIAHS sites, contributing to a total of 11 designated systems in Latin America.
These newly recognized systems represent living examples of how food production, biodiversity conservation, and cultural identity are interwoven in sustainable ways. “Agricultural heritage is not a relic of the past—it is a living foundation for the future,” said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment at FAO. He highlighted how these systems offer tangible models for building resilient agrifood systems in the face of climate change.
Globally, 104 agricultural heritage sites have been acknowledged for their contributions to biodiversity, food security, climate resilience, cultural identity, and rural livelihoods. In Chile, this recognition builds on long-term national efforts, supported by a Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded initiative led by FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture, to document and preserve agricultural heritage.
In northern Chile’s High-Andean and Pre-Andean regions, Aymara, Quechua, and Likan Antay communities maintain a sophisticated system integrating camelid herding—especially llamas and alpacas—with the cultivation of native crops such as quinoa, maize, and potatoes. Situated between 3,000 and 4,500 metres above sea level, this system has evolved to withstand extreme climatic challenges, including aridity, temperature fluctuations, and scarce water resources. Seasonal transhumance and rotational grazing protect high-altitude pastures, while terraced fields and micro-irrigation systems support agriculture on steep, dry terrain. Customary water-sharing systems ensure equitable access to scarce water, and women play a vital role in seed preservation, food processing, and passing down traditional knowledge.
Further south, in the Mapuche-Pehuenche territory of the Andes, communities sustain a diverse agricultural and ecological system centred around biodiverse homegardens, forest gathering, and seasonal livestock movement. The araucaria tree (pewen) and its nutritious seeds, known as piñones, are deeply tied to cultural identity, ceremonies, and daily nutrition. Homegardens—largely tended by women—harbour hundreds of cultivated and medicinal plant species, supporting both food security and agrobiodiversity. This ancestral system reflects core Mapuche values of reciprocity, collective stewardship, and respect for all forms of life, known as Itrofil Mogen. Its landscapes—comprising native forests, wetlands, volcanic soils, and protected areas—form part of a broader ecological and cultural mosaic.
The GIAHS programme aims to safeguard these living agricultural heritage systems while enabling them to adapt and flourish. By working closely with Indigenous communities, local authorities, and national governments, the initiative promotes dynamic conservation that strengthens rural development, enhances climate resilience, and ensures that these unique systems continue to benefit future generations.
