Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Bali agroforestry system for cultivating salak (snake fruit) has been added to the latest list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). The recognition was granted alongside Austria’s carp fish farming system and the Cocoa Agroforestry System of São Tomé and Príncipe during the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group meeting on September 19, 2024.
Under the flagship program of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, these sites are acknowledged for their global significance. They demonstrate food security and livelihoods, agricultural biodiversity, sustainable knowledge systems and practices, social values, cultural heritage, and outstanding landscapes.
“Many of these sites showcase best practices for enhancing food system resilience to climate change and for promoting biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems,” said FAO’s Communication Specialist for the Asia-Pacific region, Mahira Afzal, in a statement released on Friday, September 20, 2024.
With the addition of these three new sites, the FAO’s global network of agricultural heritage systems now consists of 89 systems across 28 countries.
Salak Agroforestry in Karangasem, Bali
Karangasem, the driest region of Bali, is home to a unique agroforestry system that integrates the cultivation of salak with a variety of other crops. This system was developed by Bali’s indigenous communities and is managed using the traditional subak water management system.
“This practice enhances agricultural biodiversity, preserves existing topography, helps prevent erosion, conserves water, sequesters carbon, and supports food security, all while preserving cultural heritage and sustaining local livelihoods,” Afzal added.
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In addition to promoting biodiversity, this system serves as a critical watershed, supplying water for nearly 1,000 hectares of rice fields and meeting the needs of 10 villages along the Buhu River. Every part of the salak tree is utilized, making it a zero-waste crop, which contributes to its sustainability and resource efficiency.
The system also integrates salak cultivation with other crops such as mango, banana, and medicinal plants, creating a rich and diverse agricultural landscape. Rooted in traditional Balinese philosophies like Tri Hita Karana (the three causes of well-being) and Tri Mandala (the three realms of space), the salak agroforestry system reflects a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and spirituality. This harmony has also been recognized by UNESCO as part of Bali’s Cultural Landscape.
(Raidi/Agung)
