Mediterranean GIAHS sites network to promote sustainable agricultural tourism

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B EURO Mediterranean (EURO MED)

Date of latest update: 2026-10-22

Description

Description (FR):

Les Systèmes Ingénieux du Patrimoine Agricole Mondial (SIPAM) sont des agroécosystèmes habités par des communautés vivant dans une relation complexe avec leur territoire. Ces sites sont des systèmes résilients caractérisés par une agrobiodiversité remarquable, des savoirs traditionnels, des cultures et des paysages inestimables, gérés durablement par les agriculteurs, les éleveurs, les pêcheurs et les populations forestières de manière à contribuer à leurs moyens de subsistance et à leur sécurité alimentaire. L'enjeu principal du projet est de renforcer le rôle du tourisme durable dans la préservation de ces incroyables sites agricoles qui font face à plusieurs menaces grâce à une stratégie de valorisation du tourisme agricole durable adaptée, améliorée et validée. Dans les sites SIPAM, une gestion délicate est nécessaire : les moyens de subsistance des sites peuvent dépendre des visiteurs venant d’ailleurs pour diversifier leurs activités économiques, mais le tourisme est un facteur de pression sur ces systèmes fragiles. La durabilité est la clé. Le principal résultat du projet sera la création d'un réseau MED-GIAHS innovant basé sur le tourisme qui améliorera la durabilité des sites e contribuera à reconstruire et à redéfinir le tourisme d'une manière nouvelle et plus durable. Les résultats du projet seront transférables à tous les sites MED-GIAHS, principalement la stratégie de tourisme durable et le réseau d'échange et de soutien. Les résultats attendus du projet sont une guide conjoint pour définir des plans d'action locaux, des catalogues de bonnes pratiques et du matériel de formation et d'information. L'approche transnationale et le soutien de la FAO contribueront à résoudre les problèmes communs à tous les sites SIPAM et à atteindre les résultats escomptés du projet. À savoir, créer des moyens de subsistance en combinant la conservation du patrimoine, la tradition et l'innovation avec le tourisme agricole durable en tant qu'activité prometteuse pour stimuler le développement rural.

Description (EN):

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are agroecosystems inhabited by communities that live in intricate relationships with their territory. These evolving sites are resilient systems characterised by remarkable agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, invaluable cultures, and landscapes that are sustainably managed by farmers, herders, fisherfolk, and forest people in ways that contribute to their livelihoods and food security. The main challenge of the project is to reinforce the role of sustainable tourism in preserving these incredible agricultural sites that face several threats through the transfer of VALSIPAM project strategy that will be adapted, improved, and validated for sustainable agricultural tourism valorisation. In GIAHS sites, tourism requires particular careful management: the livelihoods of Med GIAHS sites population may rely on foreign visitors to diversify their economic activities, but tourism is a pressure factor on these fragile systems. Sustainability is the key. The main project result will be the creation of an innovative tourism-based MED-GIAHS network that will enhance the sustainability of existing, candidate, and future MED-GIAHS. It will help rebuild and redefine tourism in a new and more sustainable way. The project results will be transferable to all the MED-GIAHS sites, mainly the improved sustainable tourism strategy and the network for exchange and support. Expected project results for designated and candidate GIAHS sites in the Med area are joint guide for local action plans, good practices catalogues, and training and information material. This project's transnational approach and the support of FAO would contribute to addressing common problems at all GIAHS sites and achieving the expected results. That is, creating livelihoods in GIAHS sites by combining heritage conservation, tradition and innovation in a unique way with sustainable agricultural tourism as a promising activity to boost rural development.

Actual Achievements (FR):

Le projet MED GIAHS (Réseau méditerranéen des systèmes du patrimoine agricole d'importance mondiale) marque un tournant dans la protection des sites agricoles historiques. Voici l'histoire de la manière dont les communautés locales et les organisations internationales se sont unies pour sauver des systèmes menacés, les transformant ainsi en moteurs du développement durable. Le défi : un patrimoine en péril La Méditerranée abrite des systèmes uniques, des raisins secs de l'Axarquía en Espagne à la production d'argan au Maroc. Cependant, le changement climatique, l'exode rural et le manque de compétitivité menacent de faire disparaître cette histoire vivante. Le principal défi consistait à rendre ces systèmes viables pour les nouvelles générations sans leur faire perdre leur essence. La solution : unir nos forces pour un tourisme durable Le projet a élaboré une stratégie fondée sur la « conservation dynamique » des GIAHS, selon laquelle la préservation ne signifie pas figer le temps, mais s'adapter avec sagesse. Il s'agit d'un cadre commun pour le développement d'un agrotourisme durable lié aux systèmes agricoles, qui respecte les écosystèmes et les systèmes de production uniques des GIAHS. Outre la stratégie MED GIAHS, ses résultats les plus significatifs comprennent : - Réseau MED GIAHS : plateforme d’apprentissage mutuel et de coopération pour les territoires GIAHS existants et candidats. - Guide commun pour les plans d’action : outil méthodologique permettant aux territoires de concevoir leurs propres plans de conservation dynamique. - Catalogue d’expériences touristiques : 29 expériences authentiques issues de sites GIAHS et de futurs candidats en Espagne, en Italie, au Maroc, en Bulgarie, en Grèce et au Monténégro, permettant aux visiteurs de tisser un lien émotionnel avec la culture locale. - Plan de formation commun, qui a permis de former des formateurs et des acteurs locaux dans chaque territoire. Le pouvoir de la coopération Grâce à des visites d'étude et à un apprentissage mutuel facilités par des ateliers locaux et des séminaires internationaux, les partenaires ont échangé des connaissances essentielles sur la manière d'apporter une valeur ajoutée à leurs produits. Les organisations partenaires ont non seulement amélioré leurs capacités techniques, mais ont également acquis une reconnaissance internationale et ont pu accéder à un réseau de soutien. Des changements concrets sur le terrain Grâce au projet, les territoires ont vu leurs revenus se diversifier. Des lieux tels que les Katuns au Monténégro ou l’île de Chios en Grèce, avec sa culture de la mastic, disposent désormais d’une feuille de route claire pour s’intégrer au réseau mondial de la FAO et obtenir la reconnaissance officielle en tant que GIAHS. Regard vers l'avenir : durabilité et nouveaux horizons La pérennité de ces solutions est assurée par la création du réseau MED GIAHS, un forum permanent de collaboration et d'échange qui reste ouvert à de nouveaux membres. Malgré ces avancées, le chemin est encore long. Le renouvellement générationnel et le changement climatique restent des défis permanents. Cependant, le projet a démontré que ces systèmes agricoles uniques ne sont pas de simples vestiges du passé, mais des modèles de résilience offrant des solutions concrètes à la crise climatique actuelle. Assurer la durabilité : plus qu’un projet, un réseau vivant Afin de garantir que les acquis du projet MED GIAHS ne s’arrêtent pas à la fin du financement, le projet a défini trois piliers de durabilité : - Le réseau MED-GIAHS : officialisé en tant que plateforme permanente de coopération. Cet espace n’est pas statique ; il est conçu pour continuer à se développer, en intégrant de nouveaux sites reconnus par la FAO, des candidats et des systèmes potentiels à travers le bassin méditerranéen. - Outils d’autogestion : la création du Guide commun pour les plans d’action et de la stratégie MED GIAHS fournit aux gestionnaires locaux une « feuille de route » méthodologique. Cela leur permet de mettre à jour leurs plans de conservation dynamiques de manière indépendante. - Formation continue : le Plan de formation conjoint a permis de former les formateurs et les acteurs locaux. Ces connaissances sont désormais solidement ancrées sur le terrain, ce qui permet à la communauté de continuer à gérer son offre touristique et ses ressources agricoles en recourant à des pratiques durables et à des techniques de marketing modernes. Défis et opportunités : la voie à suivre La fin du projet marque le début d'une phase cruciale : Technologie : Utiliser l'« Industrie 4.0 » pour optimiser les ressources tout en respectant la tradition. Reconnaissance : Une opportunité de mener le tourisme expérientiel et d'attirer des visiteurs conscients. Résilience : Ces systèmes millénaires offrent des solutions durables pour la gestion des ressources et de la biodiversité.

Actual Achievements (EN):

MED GIAHS project (Mediterranean Network of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) marks a turning point in protecting historical agricultural sites. This is the story of how local communities and international organizations united to save systems at risk, transforming them into engines for sustainable development. The Challenge: Heritage at Risk The Mediterranean is home to unique systems, from Axarquía raisins in Spain to argan production in Morocco. However, climate change, rural depopulation, and a lack of competitiveness threaten to erase this living history. The core challenge was making these systems viable for new generations without losing their essence. The Solution: Joining Forces for Sustainable Tourism The project developed a strategy based on the ‘dynamic conservation’ of GIAHS, where preservation does not mean freezing time, but adapting wisely. It is a common framework for the development of sustainable agritourism linked to the agricultural systems, which respects the unique ecosystems and production systems of the GIAHS. In addition to the MED GIAHS Strategy, its most significant outcomes include: - MED GIAHS Network: platform for mutual learning and cooperation for existing and candidate GIAHS territories. - Joint Guide for Action Plans: methodological tool for territories to design their own dynamic conservation plans. - Catalogue of Tourism Experiences: 29 authentic experiences from GIAHS sites and future candidates from Spain, Italy, Morocco, Bulgaria, Greece and Montenegro, enabling visitors to connect emotionally with the local culture. - Joint Training Plan, which has trained trainers and local stakeholders in each territory. The Power of Cooperation Through study visits and mutual learning facilitated by local workshops and international seminars, partners exchanged vital knowledge on how to add value to their products. Partner organisations not only improved their technical capabilities, but also gained international recognition and access to a support network. Real Changes on the Ground Thanks to the project, the territories have seen a diversification of their income. Places such as the Katuns in Montenegro or the island of Chios in Greece, with its masticha cultivation, now have a clear roadmap for integrating into the FAO’s global network and obtaining official recognition as GIAHS. Looking to the Future: Sustainability and New Horizons The sustainability of these solutions is ensured by the creation of the MED GIAHS Network, a permanent forum for collaboration and exchange that remains open to new members. Furthermore, the training programme developed ensures that local stakeholders have the necessary tools to manage their sites independently. Despite these achievements, the journey continues. Generational renewal and climate change remain constant challenges. However, the project has demonstrated that these unique agricultural systems are not merely relics of the past, but models of resilience offering real solutions to the current climate crisis. Ensuring Sustainability: More Than a Project, a Living Network To ensure that the achievements of MED GIAHS do not come to a halt when funding ends, the project has established three pillars of sustainability: - The MED-GIAHS Network: This has been formalised as a permanent platform for cooperation. This space is not static; it is designed to continue growing, integrating new sites recognised by the FAO, candidates and potential systems across the Mediterranean basin. - Self-management tools: The creation of the Joint Guide for Action Plans and the MED GIAHS Strategy provide local managers with a methodological ‘roadmap’. This enables them to update their dynamic conservation plans independently, ensuring that actions remain consistent with international standards. - Continuous Training: The Joint Training Plan has equipped trainers and local stakeholders. This knowledge is now firmly rooted in the territories, enabling the community to continue managing its tourism offerings and agricultural resources using sustainable practices and modern marketing techniques. Challenges and Opportunities: The Way Forward The end of the project marks the start of a new phase full of challenges, but also of great possibilities: o New Technologies: There is enormous potential to use digital tools and ‘Industry 4.0’ to monitor the condition of the agriculture systems and optimise resources without losing sight of traditional values. o Global Recognition: With the FAO’s GIAHS network now exceeding 89 sites across 28 countries, Mediterranean sites have a unique opportunity to position themselves as leaders in Authentic Tourism of Experiences, attracting a more conscious and respectful visitors. o Resilience as a Model: These millennia-old systems are laboratories of sustainability. What we have learnt from them about water management or biodiversity can offer real solutions for 21st-century agriculture.

Project outputs: Strategy for sustainable agricultural tourism in MED GIAHS sites(EN)
Strategy for sustainable agricultural tourism in MED GIAHS sites(FR)
MED-GIAHS Network(FR)
MED-GIAHS Network(EN)
MED-GIAHS Network partnership cooperation(EN)
MED-GIAHS Network partnership cooperation(FR) Website: https://med-giahs.interreg-euro-med.eu/

Thematic information

Tourism Rural and peripheral development Agriculture and fisheries and forestry

Priority: (VI-B_EM_2) Greener MED

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: Consejería de Agricultura, Pesca, Agua y Desarrollo Rural de la Junta de Andalucía

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 920952048

Partner’s ID if not PIC: S4111001F | ES204000016 | - (FR), - (EN)

Department: Vice Ministry

Address: C/ Tabladilla, 41013 Seville, Spain

Department address: C/ Tabladilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/agriculturapescaaguaydesarrollorural.html

Total budget: EUR 210 753.30

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 168 602.64

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 150.66

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: MARTA VINCUERIA BERDEJO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 28920085T.
Name: INTEGRACIÓN AGENCIA DE VIAJES
VAT registration or tax identification number: A-84523505
Name: CONSEJO REGULADOR DDOO MALAGA
VAT registration or tax identification number: Q7955051C
Name: ASOC. “EL PASERO”
VAT registration or tax identification number: G93410785
Name: RAMOS Y SERRANO CONSULTORÍA SL
VAT registration or tax identification number: B56056864
Name: ADRIANO VIAJES, S.A.
VAT registration or tax identification number: A41718073
Name: Descubre Comunicación S.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: B90115395

Aristotelio Panepistimio Thessalonikis - Eidikos Logariasmos Kondilion Erevnas

Name: Aristotelio Panepistimio Thessalonikis - Eidikos Logariasmos Kondilion Erevnas

Department: Laboratory of Floriculture

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999895692

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 090049627 | EL120000024 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Aristotle University Campus, K.E.D.E.A. Building,, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece

Department address: Aristotle University Campus, K.E.D.E.A. Building,, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Website: https://www.auth.gr/en

Total budget: EUR 136 580.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 109 264.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 316.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: Panagos G. Stefanos
VAT registration or tax identification number: EL111244039
Name: AEROGRAMMI IKE
VAT registration or tax identification number: EL082368780

Областна Администрация Пазарджик

Name: Областна Администрация Пазарджик

Department: Regiol development

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999782978

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 112121473 | BG120000008 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: Ekzarh Yosif, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria

Department address: Ekzarh Yosif, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.pz.government.bg

Total budget: EUR 140 360.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 112 288.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 072.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: Georgi Georgiev
VAT registration or tax identification number: 6203074622
Name: Nikola Manevski
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8212014403
Name: Perar Stoyanov
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8008056660

Università degli Studi di Firenze

Name: Università degli Studi di Firenze

Department: Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Science and Technology.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999895789

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01279680480 | IT120000030 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: PIAZZA SAN MARCO, 50121 Florence, Italy

Department address: PIAZZA SAN MARCO, 50121 Florence, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.unifi.it

Total budget: EUR 210 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 168 080.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 020.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: Massimo Lucii
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT00841450117
Name: Francesca Puliti
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT06152820483
Name: HORIZONS SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02198150514
Name: BAZZURRO ALESSANDRA
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT03935450548
Name: LEGNAIOLI GUIDO
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT06598250485
Name: BAR BEDDINI SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03850680541
Name: BARONI AUTONOLEGGI SNC
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02513510541
Name: CONGRESS TECNO SERVICE SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03206220547
Name: FAI - FONDO AMBIENTE ITALIANO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 04358650150
Name: TAVERNA DEL SETTE SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02994110548
Name: AZ. AGR. ZAPPELLI CARDARELLI
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02261860544

Πανελλήνιος Σύλλογος Αρχιτεκτόνων Τοπίου ΠΣΑΤ

Name: Πανελλήνιος Σύλλογος Αρχιτεκτόνων Τοπίου ΠΣΑΤ

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 900973831

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 998648218 | NA | NA (EN), NA (FR)

Address: Dimitriou Psatha, 15127 Athens, Greece

Department address: Dimitriou Psatha, 15127 Athens, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.phala.gr

Regionalna razvojna agencija za Bjelasicu, Komove i Prokletije

Name: Regionalna razvojna agencija za Bjelasicu, Komove i Prokletije

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950647919

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02769158 | ME220000002 | - (FR), - (EN)

Address: IV crnogorske brigade, 84300 Berane, Montenegro

Department address: IV crnogorske brigade, 84300 Berane, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.bjelasica-komovi.me

Total budget: EUR 130 069.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 104 055.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 013.90

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: Solutions4you
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03105261

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - Special Account for Research Funds

Mediterranean GIAHS sites network to promote sustainable agricultural tourism

Partners and Projects info

Pazardzhik Regional Administration

Mediterranean GIAHS sites network to promote sustainable agricultural tourism

Partners and Projects info

University of Florence - Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Science and Technology

Mediterranean GIAHS sites network to promote sustainable agricultural tourism

Partners and Projects info

Panhellenic Association of Landscape Architects - PHALA

Mediterranean GIAHS sites network to promote sustainable agricultural tourism

Partners and Projects info

Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije

Mediterranean GIAHS sites network to promote sustainable agricultural tourism

Partners and Projects info

Andalucia Region - Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development

Mediterranean GIAHS sites network to promote sustainable agricultural tourism

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (FR): Réseau méditerranéen de sites SIPAM pour promouvoir un tourisme agricole durable

Project name (EN): Mediterranean GIAHS sites network to promote sustainable agricultural tourism

Project acronym: MED-GIAHS

Project ID: Euro-MED0200584

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-03-31

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

Interreg SUDOE (2020-2023). VALSIPAM (EN), Interreg SUDOE (2020-2023). VALSIPAM (FR) | Interreg SUDOE VALSIPAM project. Its methodologies and strategy are the heart of the transfer we propose and therefore fully synergic with ours. Two of the VALSIPAM partners, the coordinator (CAPADR) and CHdV will be the transfer partners in MED-GIAHS. Moreover, in this project, the coordinator is the same: the Andalusía Ministry of Agriculture (CAPADR)
The ultimate goal of our project, the creation of a network of GIAHS sites will be the result of the adaptation and improvement of the VALSIPAM strategy validated through the definition of a joint guide for defining action plans and for VALSIPAM it means its culmination: its tools and strategy, now improved and reinforced by new good practices and tools, will serve to create the first network of agricultural and touristically sustainable GIAHS territories.
All the projects detailed below, with which synergies will be established, fulfil the objective of serving as instruments and good practices to create the MED-GIAHS strategy based on the improvement of the VALSIPAM strategy, optimising and reinforcing it.
(FR), Interreg SUDOE VALSIPAM project. Its methodologies and strategy are the heart of the transfer we propose and therefore fully synergic with ours. Two of the VALSIPAM partners, the coordinator (CAPADR) and CHdV will be the transfer partners in MED-GIAHS. Moreover, in this project, the coordinator is the same: the Andalusía Ministry of Agriculture (CAPADR)
The ultimate goal of our project, the creation of a network of GIAHS sites will be the result of the adaptation and improvement of the VALSIPAM strategy validated through the definition of a joint guide for defining action plans and for VALSIPAM it means its culmination: its tools and strategy, now improved and reinforced by new good practices and tools, will serve to create the first network of agricultural and touristically sustainable GIAHS territories.
All the projects detailed below, with which synergies will be established, fulfil the objective of serving as instruments and good practices to create the MED-GIAHS strategy based on the improvement of the VALSIPAM strategy, optimising and reinforcing it.
(EN), Cofund ERA-NETs SUSFOOD2 and FOSC. (2022-2024). MedAgriFood Resilience Project (EN), Cofund ERA-NETs SUSFOOD2 and FOSC. (2022-2024). MedAgriFood Resilience Project (FR) | This project is focused on studying three GIAHS sites (in Italy, Morocco and Algeria) applying a multidisciplinary approach to identify the possible social and environmental shocks impacting agroforestry and agri-food heritage systems in the Mediterranean area, linking together landscape structure, climatological studies, social role and biodiversity assessment. Over the centuries, local communities have adapted to challenging environmental conditions such as a dry and hot climate, water scarcity and steep slopes. The results of the project will lead to the identification of the best practices to be replicated in other traditional agroforestry and agri-food systems to increase the adaptation and resilience to social and/or environmental systems shocks.
One of the main outputs of the project will be the creation of an informal network of GIAHS sites in the Mediterranean area (MedGIAHS Network). It is a scientific-oriented network promoted by the University of Florence (now a MED-GIAHS partner) and two North African universities from Morocco and Algeria (now also MED-GIAHS associates). This could be the embryo of the main objective of our project, which is to create a network of GIAHS in the MED area through a common strategy to promote sustainable agricultural tourism in MED GIAHS sites. (FR), This project is focused on studying three GIAHS sites (in Italy, Morocco and Algeria) applying a multidisciplinary approach to identify the possible social and environmental shocks impacting agroforestry and agri-food heritage systems in the Mediterranean area, linking together landscape structure, climatological studies, social role and biodiversity assessment. Over the centuries, local communities have adapted to challenging environmental conditions such as a dry and hot climate, water scarcity and steep slopes. The results of the project will lead to the identification of the best practices to be replicated in other traditional agroforestry and agri-food systems to increase the adaptation and resilience to social and/or environmental systems shocks.
One of the main outputs of the project will be the creation of an informal network of GIAHS sites in the Mediterranean area (MED-GIAHS Network). It is a scientific-oriented network promoted by the University of Florence (now a MED-GIAHS partner) and two North African universities from Morocco and Algeria (now also MED-GIAHS associates). This could be the embryo of the main objective of our project, which is to create a network of GIAHS in the MED area through a common strategy to promote sustainable agricultural tourism in MED- GIAHS sites. (EN), Interreg MED. 2019. CASTWATER Project (EN), Interreg MED. 2019. CASTWATER Project (FR) | This project has generated 2 online tools that assess water management. One of them is addressed to SMEs (GIAHS managers) and the other one to public authorities (MED-GIAHS partners).
We believe that both tools will be interesting for some regional action plans based on the GIAHS transnational strategy for the management and valorisation of sustainable tourism.
In this case and due to the importance of the water issue in the GIAHS of the MED territory, a partner of this project has been invited as a partner: Valencia Tourism. (FR), This project has generated 2 online tools that assess water management. One of them is addressed to SMEs (GIAHS managers) and the other one to public authorities (MED-GIAHS partners).
We believe that both tools will be interesting for the elaboration of the joint guide for defining action plans based on the GIAHS transnational strategy for the management and valorisation of sustainable tourism.
In this case and due to the importance of the water issue in the GIAHS of the MED territory, a partner of this project has been invited as a partner: Valencia Tourism. (EN), Interreg MED. 2019-2023. Sustainable Tourism Community Project (FR), Interreg MED. 2019-2023. Sustainable Tourism Community Project (EN) | This Community MED project (still active) is the reference in terms of policy recommendations for an entire Interreg period. It brings together the work of over 10 thematic Interreg MED projects focusing on sustainable tourism. It will therefore be our initial guide for our MED-GIAHS strategy.
This project will give MED-GIAHS an initial vision of how policies should be developed to achieve sustainable tourism that preserves nature and culture.
Moreover, in this case the project coordinator has been the Diputació’ de Barcelona (Spain) so that synergies will be established directly between the coordinators of the two projects. (FR), This Community MED project (still active) is the reference in terms of policy recommendations for an entire Interreg period. It brings together the work of over 10 thematic Interreg MED projects focusing on sustainable tourism. It will therefore be our initial guide for our MED-GIAHS strategy.
This project will give MED-GIAHS an initial vision of how policies should be developed to achieve sustainable tourism that preserves nature and culture.
Moreover, in this case the project coordinator has been the Diputació’ de Barcelona (Spain) so that synergies will be established directly between the coordinators of the two projects. (EN), Interreg MED. 2019. DESTMED Project (FR), Interreg MED. 2019. DESTMED Project (EN) | This thematic project has generated an online tool that calculates the carrying capacity of a tourist destination. This tool will be part of the complementary annexes of the Strategy to be transferred to MED-GIAHS.
It is a reality that the GIAHS do not currently have a problem of tourist overcrowding, but it is also a reality that they are very fragile systems in terms of human intervention. This, together with the simplicity and effectiveness of this tool, makes it an important complement to the transfer.
In addition, the city of Malaga and a Valencian Institute are partners in this project, which are the regions where the GIAHS transferring partners of MED-GIAHS are located. (EN), This thematic project has generated an online tool that calculates the carrying capacity of a tourist destination. This tool will be part of the complementary annexes of the Strategy to be transferred to MED-GIAHS.
It is a reality that the GIAHS do not currently have a problem of tourist overcrowding, but it is also a reality that they are very fragile systems in terms of human intervention. This, together with the simplicity and effectiveness of this tool, makes it an important complement to the transfer.
In addition, the city of Malaga and a Valencian Institute are partners in this project, which are the regions where the GIAHS transferring partners of MED-GIAHS are located.
(FR), Interreg ADRION. 2022. QNeST Plus Project (FR), Interreg ADRION. 2022. QNeST Plus Project (EN) | This project is also being developed in the countries of some of our partners, so their dialogue will be direct.
From the results obtained in QNeST Plus we want to take advantage of the methodology used to design the tourist routes in our project. They have designed routes on primary products and water which are themes present in the GIAHS and a tourist product to be developed on them. (FR), This project is also being developed in the countries of some of our partners, so their dialogue will be direct.
From the results obtained in QNeST Plus we want to take advantage of the methodology used to design the tourist routes in our project. They have designed routes on primary products and water which are themes present in the GIAHS and a tourist product to be developed on them.
(EN), ENI CBC MED (2019 - 2023). MED PEARLS Project (EN), ENI CBC MED (2019 - 2023). MED PEARLS Project (FR) | This project, still in progress, offers a very interesting concept for the GIAHS territories: Slow Tourism. Its main feature is to connect local communities with tourists. It will also create 26 new products in this line.
From MED-GIAHS we are going to make networking with them to know in more detail the concept of Slow Tourism and the new tourist products created, to evaluate the incorporation in our catalogue of good practices. (FR), This project, still in progress, offers a very interesting concept for the GIAHS territories: Slow Tourism. Its main feature is to connect local communities with tourists. It will also create 26 new products in this line.
From MED-GIAHS we are going to make networking with them to know in more detail the concept of Slow Tourism and the new tourist products created, to evaluate the incorporation in our catalogue of good practices. (EN), Interreg ALPINE Space. 2019. AlpFoodway Project (EN), Interreg ALPINE Space. 2019. AlpFoodway Project (FR) | AlpFoodway has based the development of its activities on the appreciation of the local food of its territory. On this basis, it has created new tools for transferring agricultural knowledge to future generations and new marketing tools based on local food.
As the GIAHS of our project are agricultural areas with traditional food and a deep-rooted food culture, we believe that knowing the tools created by AlpFoodway can bring us an interesting added value in our strategy. (FR), AlpFoodway has based the development of its activities on the appreciation of the local food of its territory. On this basis, it has created new tools for transferring agricultural knowledge to future generations and new marketing tools based on local food.
As the GIAHS of our project are agricultural areas with traditional food and a deep-rooted food culture, we believe that knowing the tools created by AlpFoodway can bring us an interesting added value in our strategy. (EN), GIAHS Capacity Building project (EN), GIAHS Capacity Building project (FR) | This is an ongoing project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
It aims to promote the knowledge of agricultural heritage systems and traditional landscapes, supporting the FAO GIAHS program especially in the AICS Countries, through training and research activities, including the establishment of a first level master course in Agricultural Heritage Systems.
Some of this project results could be used in the development of training materials in WP2. (EN), This is an ongoing project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
It aims to promote the knowledge of agricultural heritage systems and traditional landscapes, supporting the FAO GIAHS program especially in the AICS Countries, through training and research activities, including the establishment of a first level master course in Agricultural Heritage Systems.
Some of this project results could be used in the development of training materials in WP2. (FR)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 984 339.94

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 787 471.95

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Joint Guide for defining action plans
Joint Guide for defining action plans
Joint Training Plan
Joint Training Plan
Strategy for sustanaible agricultural tourism in Med GIAHS sites
Strategy for sustanaible agricultural tourism in Med GIAHS sites
Joint catalogue of Med GIAHS sustainable agricultural tourism.
Joint catalogue of Med GIAHS sustainable agricultural tourism.
MED-GIAHS Network
MED-GIAHS Network

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion In the MED-GIAHS partnership, there are 3 partners from this Macroregion (Italy, Montenegro, and Greece). The EUSAIR action plan-pillar IV: "sustainable tourism" defines 8 key topics/actions. We outline those with direct synergies with our project:
- Measuring and monitoring sustainable tourism. “Capitalizing the successful experience of some ETIS3 destinations, in order to share the good practices for measuring the impact and collecting data on sustainable tourism and to expand the number of ETIS destinations”. The environmental and social assessment of our strategy is a simple good practice that is adaptable, at least complementary, to monitor and measure the impact of sustainable tourism.
- Skills and vocational training: “Developing multilingual training courses and establishing a Master's program on tourism management, hospitality, and services, sharing the same methodologies and approaches”. In this aspect the synergies are evident: the set of activities of WP2 aim at developing pedagogical guides as a basis for training actions with the actors of the sustainable tourism value chain, thus increasing the present and future capacities of the whole agrarian tourism value chain.
- Cultural tourism and local identity: “Establishment of networks based on thematic tourism already existing in the countries”. Again, the synergies with this topic are direct. Our main objective is the creation of a network of GIAHS sustainable tourism territories open to other territories that are thematically committed to the tourism valorisation of emblematic territories from a food/agrarian point of view. Networking with other thematic networks, and sharing experiences and good practices is one of the central objectives of our network.
EuropeanGreenDeal The link between healthy people, healthy societies and a healthy planet places sustainable food systems, whose ultimate expression is the GIAHS territories, at the heart of the European Green Pact, the EU's strategy for sustainable and inclusive growth, which aims to boost the economy, improve people's health, quality of life, and care for nature.
The transfer and improvement of the VALSIPAM tourism valorisation strategy will accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system that will bring assessed environmental and social benefits. This way, we will offer the opportunity for farmers and tourism operators to make new incomes compensating for the price crisis of agricultural products caused by globalisation and the increase in input prices due to the war in Ukraine, while at the same time will be able to reduce the negative impacts of agriculture on ecosystem services.
In fact, our project is based on a win-win strategy, a partnership between tourism and agriculture, which boosts positive agricultural ecosystem services and biodiversity while strengthening food security, reducing the environmental footprint and making the GIAHS stronger by providing additional income to farmers via tourism.
EUStrategyAlpineRegion MED-GIAHS will contribute to objective 3 of this strategy: Ensure sustainability in the Alps: preserve Alpine heritage and promote sustainable use of natural and cultural resources and specifically to Action Group 6: To preserve and valorise natural resources, including water and cultural resources. Subtopic 2: Future-oriented farming and forestry". This sub-topic aims at establishing a knowledge network to collect, develop and foster existing - and possibly initiate new - innovative and successful initiatives and activities for the promotion and marketing of food and forest products, especially in urban areas, which are sustainably produced and processed in the EUSALP mountain and rural areas to maintain cultural and ecosystem services.
Interaction and synergies with this strategy will be important, especially in:
- the design of the cooperative strategy to strengthen the connection between sustainable tourism, food production, environmental protection, and public health.
- Taking into account good practices from the Alpine region in agro-tourism and food promotion initiatives adaptable to present and future GIAHS territories.
TerritorialAgenda2030 MED-GIAHS contributes to the following SDGs.
No Poverty. MED-GIAHS enables a framework that encourages the development of tourism products and services tailored to lower-income customers, to ensure that everyone can become a tourist while promoting the training and employability of local community members, including those living in poverty, and integrating them into the tourism value chain (as producers, suppliers, or sellers).
Zero Hunger. MED-GIAHS aims to demonstrate the viability of small-scale agriculture, sustaining producer communities with income from sustainable tourism by cutting agricultural price distortions while promoting resilient agriculture with an increasing positive impact on ecosystem services.
Quality education. MED-GIAHS will create a free training framework tailored to farmers and the whole tourism value chain that will demonstrate employment opportunities in the agrarian tourism sector, promoting free and equal training opportunities.
Clean Water. MED-GIAHS is aware of the role of agriculture and tourism as major water consumers. In a climatically hostile environment, with increasing episodes of drought, the preservation of water resources will be one of the pillars of the sustainable strategy that will govern the network of GIAHS territories.
Life on Land. MED-GIAHS will contribute to measuring, managing, and mitigating impacts on ecosystem services, promoting and scaling up best practices in land use planning and management.
Partnerships for the Goals. MED-GIAHS will foster regional and international cooperation and knowledge sharing with FAO and UNWTO in order to encourage more territories with high agri-food and sustainable tourism values to join the GIAHS network through continuous networking with both institutions.
Other Biodiversity Strategy EU 2030
This European strategy will be one of the main guidelines for the creation of the network of GIAHS territories that we propose. Below are some of the most important priorities of the Biodiversity Strategy EU 2030, which are also references and expected outcomes of MED-GIAHS:
- Working with farmers to support and incentivise the transition to fully sustainable practices. MED-GIAHS: the territories where sustainable tourism will be promoted are agricultural territories and working with farmers, as managers of these territories, is our focus for the development of the action plans.
- 25% of EU agricultural land should be dedicated to organic farming by 2030. MED-GIAHS: Some of the agricultural areas integrated in the GIAHS network are already practising organic farming, but this project also aims to encourage the conversion of the remaining areas. Sustainable and healthy tourism is inconceivable if the destinations are not sustainable and healthy. The underlying message of all project activities will be the conversion to organic farming.
- Building a truly coherent Trans-European Network of Wilderness Areas. As developed throughout the proposal, one of the objectives and results of the project will be the creation and maintenance of a GIAHS network in the MED territory. This network will, of course, be integrated into the existing global network. This network will continue to function in parallel after the end of the project and will also incorporate other GIAHS that will be set up in the MED area (WP1) reinforcing by this way that Trans-European Network.
- Improving knowledge, education and skills. Our main objective is to transfer knowledge and enable local actors to use it. The knowledge transferred is closely linked to the concept of sustainability and is addressed to all local stakeholders: farmers, tour operators, politicians, tourists and society in general. In a specific way, we dedicated WP2 to reinforce this aspect.
Other EU strategy for Sustainable Tourism (P9 TA(2021)0109)
We should emphasise two essential points of this strategy that are synergistic with our MED-GIAHS project:
- It points out that the production processes and the wide range of services of general interest offered by agriculture, as well as the diversity of certain activities and facilities, turn farms into places of discovery and experiences, where people of all ages can discover rural landscapes and the cultural and natural heritage safeguarded by rural communities. Tourists will be able to experience farming firsthand and better understand the responsibilities inherent in dealing with animals and natural resources; underlines in this respect the synergies between rural tourism, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and animal welfare awareness.
- Underlines, as our project aims to do, the growing trend towards local and authentic travel experiences, which can contribute significantly to reducing the distance travelled by each person and to reducing climate impact, improving environmental tourism management by relieving pressure from overcrowded tourist destinations. Considers farm holidays to be the most sustainable and efficient form of rural tourism in Europe, as they contribute to supporting local businesses and promoting agricultural and natural areas; recommends that Member States ensure that the diversification of rural tourism is optimised, seasonality is reduced, and the quality of tourism is increased.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 1.0
(RCO116) Jointly developed solutions: 1.0
(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 28.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

PSI1 - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: organisations

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR79) Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations: 1.0
(RCR104) Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations: 1.0
PSI1 - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders: 19.0

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B EURO Mediterranean (EURO MED)

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-10

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

98 / 98 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

981 / 981 (100%)

Notes on the data

There are discrepancies in this programme's financial data in keep.eu. Namely, in one or more cases, the sum of the project partners' budgets exceeds the total budget of the respective project. Interact is working with the Programme to correct those figures.

Languages

Contact Form

Mediterranean GIAHS sites network to promote sustainable agricultural tourism

Description

Thematic information

Partners (6)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer