Belarus advances in the promotion of its flax production agricultural heritage system

Belarus took an important step towards the international recognition of its agricultural heritage at an event in the Vitebsk region this week.

Flax cultivation in the region is closely connected with agricultural knowledge, local practices, rural livelihoods and the surrounding natural landscapes. Developed and passed down over generations, these practices form part of a wider cultural and agricultural heritage that reflects the region’s strong relationship with agriculture and nature.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched a project in 2024 to strengthen national capacities to assess agricultural heritage systems like this one and evaluate their role in biodiversity conservation and social development.

At a workshop on 30 July, national and local actors reviewed a proposed plan for the dynamic conservation of the Belarus flax production system. Participants examined the values of the system, discussed the geographical boundaries of the proposed site and identified priority actions for developing a potential candidature under the FAO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme.

Celebrating local agricultural heritage

The GIAHS programme assists countries in recognizing agricultural systems in which biodiversity, traditional knowledge, local culture and distinctive landscapes have evolved together. These living systems continue to be managed by farmers and rural communities in ways that contribute to their food security, nutrition and livelihoods.

“FAO supports Belarus in identifying, assessing and promoting agricultural heritage systems of national and international importance,” said Carolina Rizzi Starr, FAO Agricultural officer and responsible officer of the project. “Greater recognition of Belarusian agricultural traditions could support and raise respect for rural work, encourage interest in sustainable and locally anchored agriculture, practices and approaches, and create opportunities to diversify income in rural communities.”

Agriculture is a major part of the Belarusian economy and an important source of food security and nutrition, employment and rural livelihoods. Local agricultural systems also preserve knowledge, traditions and genetic diversity that contribute to the quality and identity of agricultural products.

However, many of these systems face growing pressures. Urbanization, migration from rural areas, climate change, environmental degradation and the introduction of technologies that are not adapted to local conditions can weaken traditional practices and the communities that maintain them.

The participation of relevant actors and partners is central to preserving and protecting these agricultural heritage systems. Thus, the 30 July workshop invited contributions from farmers, local communities, public authorities, scientific institutions, enterprises and other actors connected with the flax production system and its surrounding landscapes.

Participants reviewed the preliminary action plan for dynamic conservation, considering how various institutions and communities could contribute to its implementation. Discussions focused on practical priorities, the responsibilities of the various actors, and the next steps required to strengthen the GIAHS proposal.

The consultation also helped clarify the final boundaries of the potential agricultural heritage site. This was supported by visits with farmers and others in the proposed area, enabling technical experts and local representatives to examine the system in its landscape and community context.

The FAO workshop in Vitebsk is an important step in the preparation of the candidature and its action plan. Once finalized and submitted, the proposal will be the first GIAHS candidate from Belarus to be considered.

The initiative is supported through FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2026.