FAO Event in Rome Recognizes Shade-grown Erva-ate of Paraná as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System

The traditional shade-grown erva-mate system of Paraná will receive its official recognition as a GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The award ceremony will take place on October 31, 2025, at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The event will include an opening session, the official certificate presentation, an official photo, the inauguration of an exhibition, and cultural performances with a tasting session, highlighting the cultural and environmental richness these traditional systems represent.

The delegation representing the system will include family farmers, researchers, and technicians who live and work within this system daily. Among them are Nelson Dias da Silva, family farmer, Regional Coordinator of FETRAF-PR Center-South, and Executive Secretary of the Observatory of Traditional Agroecological Erva-mate Systems; Evelyn Roberta Nimmo, coordinator of the GIAHS nomination and professor/researcher at the University of Alberta (Canada); Alessandra Izabel de Carvalho, professor at UEPG and member of CEDErva; Anésio da Cunha Marques, environmental analyst at ICMBio; Ana Paula Wenglarek, faxinalense, family farmer, and technician at CEDErva; and Jessica Mara Vergopolem, family farmer and member of ECOARAUCÁRIA.

The international recognition as a GIAHS reinforces the importance of Paraná’s shade-grown and agroecological erva-mate system, highlighting its relevance for environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. It also serves as an example of balanced agricultural practices that respect biodiversity and strengthen rural communities across Brazil.

On the impact of this recognition, Laureen Silva, president of CEDErva, states that: “Seeing this result, knowing the effort of so many hands, is immensely gratifying. The GIAHS recognition opens important doors to value systems at risk that safeguard our biodiversity and Paraná’s culture. The visibility this program brings helps show Brazil and the world the preservation efforts that exist here — and this can return in the form of a more just production chain, strengthening sustainable practices within rural properties.”

Ana Paula Wenglarek, faxinalense, family farmer, and technician at CEDErva, adds: “The GIAHS recognition opens very important doors for valuing these systems that are gradually disappearing and that represent so much of the biodiversity and cultural heritage of our region. Representing these farmers is something very special and a great responsibility, because we become their voice — and I hope we can do this in the most genuine way possible.”

For Nelson Dias da Silva, family farmer and Regional Coordinator of FETRAF-PR’s Center-South region: “Being, at this historic moment, a representative of all the farming families in our region brings me great satisfaction. From the beginning of the discussions, I believed — I believed in our capacity, in the strength of our farmers, and in our partnerships. For me, this is the greatest achievement, the most important victory.”

This recognition symbolizes the appreciation of the work of family farmers and local communities, highlighting the strategic role of shade-grown erva-mate in conserving the Araucaria Forest, promoting sustainable agriculture, and preserving traditional knowledge passed down for generations.

Photos: CEDErva.