Event Reports
What is the purpose of the GIAHS Forum?
FAO’s GIAHS was established in 2002, to pass on the globally important agricultural heritage systems, which includes traditional agriculture and associated biodiversity, landscape, knowledge systems and cultures, to future generations. In June 2011, Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture (Noto’s Satoyama and Satoumi) and Sado, Niigata Prefecture (Sado’s Satoyama with Ibis) were designated as GIAHS.
In May 2012, FAO and Ishikawa Prefectural Government agreed to hold the forum this year in Ishikawa, Japan. The purpose of the forum is to share and exchange knowledge on worldwide GIAHS. At the forum, Ishikawa’s initiative will be introduced which doesn’t limit the philosophy and values of GIAHS to agricultural aspect, but expanding to other industries such as tourism and manufacturing. Also, there will be excursions allowing participants from around the world to experience the Satoyama and Satoumi’s treasure.
About the Local Executive Committee
The Local Executive Committee comprises UNU, MAFF, Ishikawa Prefectural Government, 4 cities and 4 towns of the Noto GIAHS site, agricultural organizations, tourism organizations and scholars, working collaboratively with each other in support for the hosting of the GIAHS Forum.
<Members of the Local Executive Committee for the GIAHS Forum>
| Position |
Official Title |
Name |
Chairperson |
Governor, Ishikawa Prefecture |
Masanori Tanimoto |
Vice-Chairperson |
Vice-Rector, United Nations University |
Kazuhiko Takeuchi |
Vice-Chairperson |
Director General, Hokuriku Regional Agricultural Administration Office of MAFF |
Masamitsu Saito |
Vice-Chairperson |
Chairman, Noto Regional Association for GIAHS Promotion and Cooperation |
Masuhiro Izumiya |
Vice-Chairperson |
Mayor, Nanao City |
Toyokazu Fushima |
Member |
Mayor, Wajima City |
Fumiaki Kaji |
Member |
Mayor, Hakui City |
Yoshinobu Yamabe |
Member |
Mayor, Shika Town |
Masaru Koizumi |
Member |
Mayor, Nakanoto Town |
Eizo Sugimoto |
Member |
Mayor, Anamizu Town |
Nobuo Ishikawa |
Member |
Mayor, Noto Town |
Kazushige Mochiki |
Member |
Ishikawa Prefecture’s GIAHS Adviser |
Anne McDonald |
Inspector |
Chairman, Ishikawa Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives |
Shunichiro Yasuda |
Inspector |
Chairman, Noto Peninsula Tourism Association |
Sadahiko Oda |
Observer |
Director, Rural Environment Division, Rural Development Bureau, MAFF |
Hitoshi Kodaira |
Observer |
Mayor, Sado City |
Motonari, Kai |
About the Forum
- Name of the event: International Forum on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
- Organizers: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, Ishikawa Prefectural Government, Noto Regional Association for GIAHS Promotion and Cooperation
- Co-organizer: Sado City
- Venue: Aenokaze Hotel in Wakura Hot Spring, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture
- Participants: Officials and representatives of International organizations, GIAHS sites, government officials of Japan and related countries, local governments officials, researchers, civilians and other
- Dates: 29th May – 1st June 2013
Day 1 / Wednesday, 29th May
Morning Session
- Preparatory Meetings (Steering Committee, Scientific Committee) – Authorized Personnel Only
Afternoon Session
- Parallel Sessions and Exhibits
- Country Presentation Session
DAY 2 / Thursday, 30th May
Morning Session
- Opening Remarks
- High Level Session
- GIAHS site Designation Ceremony
Afternoon/Evening
- Ishikawa Public Forum
- Welcome Reception
DAY 3 / Friday, 31st May
Morning Session
Morning/Afternoon
- Excursion to Noto GIAHS site
- Excursion to Sado GIAHS site
DAY 4 / Saturday, 1st June
- Excursion to Sado GIAHS site
