Biocultural heritage territories

Biocultural heritage territories are made up of a mosaic of land uses, deeply linked to knowledge systems embedded in cultural traditions. Born of indigenous peoples’ memories and experiences, they embody and protect their world views, spiritual values, customary laws, institutions and stewardship practices. They form the backbone of local economies, and are home to critical genetic resources for food and agriculture. Across the world, years of local adaptation and traditional knowledge have shaped them into highly diverse, productive and resilient management systems that integrate sustainable development with biodiversity conservation.