The Amalfi terraced agricultural system, with its iconic lemon groves overlooking the sea, was officially inserted among the agricultural heritage systems of global importance (Giahs) of FAO. The announcement arrives in the year of the 80th anniversary of the organization and marks a historical goal for the Amalfi Coast, which thus joins an elite of unique agricultural landscapes in the world.
In addition to Amalfi, the other two new designations have been assigned to Japan, more specifically it is a former ferriferous sand mine transformed into the agro-silvo-pastoral system in Okuizumo and a landscape of terraced citrus groves in the Arida-Shimotsu region. With these three inscriptions, the sites recognized by the FAO rise to 102 in 29 countries, with Italy that reaches altitude three, after the olive trees of Assisi and Spoleto and the Soave vines.
So commented Kaveh Zahedi, director of the FAO office for climate change, biodiversity and the environment:
The FAO is honored to welcome these exceptional new sites in the family of agricultural heritage systems of global importance. Each site testifies to the ingenuity and resilience of rural and agricultural communities, showing sustainable practices that have been carefully maintained and adapted during the generations.
The “escaped Amalfitano” and the flying peasants
The recognition rewards not only the beauty of Amalfi’s landscape, but also the ingenuity of the rural communities that have made it cultivable for centuries, steep and fragile slopes.
The absolute protagonist of this landscape is the blurred Amalfitano, a lemon with unique characteristics, grown under chestnut pergolas with manual techniques and collected by the famous flying peasants. This definition recalls their ability to climb and balance on the pergolas during the collection, an ancient profession that is handed down from generation to generation.
The dry stone terraces, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage, are another distinctive element: they stabilize the ground, prevent erosion and regulate humidity. Up to 800 lemon trees can grow on one hectare, with yields reacing 35 tons, obtained without pesticides and with low environmental impact practices.
In addition to the cultivation of lemons, the territory houses olive groves, vineyards and a surprising botanical variety with over 970 plant species, including rare Mediterranean essences. An agricultural system that does not only produce excellence, but houses a precious biodiversity heritage for the entire planet.
The role of women is also fundamental, protagonists of agricultural work and the transmission of traditional knowledge, without which this model of resilient agriculture would not have survived to date.
The recognition of FAO, which defines the Limoneti of Amalfi “a powerful example of sustainable Mediterranean Montana agriculture”, does not represent only a prize for what has been and is, but also a stimulus for the future, an invitation to continue to keep and enhance this extraordinary agricultural landscape, symbol of the possible harmony between man and nature.
It is always a pleasure to see that a heritage not only natural, but also cultural and identity of our country is appreciated and recognized internationally. Amalfi’s lemonati represent a concrete example of how the Italian agricultural tradition can continue to live and renew themselves while keeping the link between community and landscape intact, without forgetting sustainability.
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