This study explored multidimensional value of the Moroccan Figuig Oasis in designated Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) and explored strategies for sustainable management and dynamic conservation. The Figuig Oasis successfully preserves a unique agro-ecosystem in an arid desert environment, utilizing traditional irrigation systems and multi-layered agricultural systems. The local economy relies heavily on the date palm industry and livestock farming. The ethnic and cultural diversity of the region contributes to a strong community-based social fabric. However, this oasis faces serious challenges, including water resource depletion due to climate change, spread of Bayoud disease, population decline, youth migration away from agricultural activities, and economic vulnerability. In addition, the region’s ability to be economically self-sufficient is being undermined by a growing reliance on migrant remittances. Despite a growing number of women engaging in agriculture, they continue to be marginalized in land ownership and decision-making processes. In light of these challenges, this study assessed the status and characteristics of the Figuig Oasis inscribed on the FAO’s GIAHS. This study emphasizes the role of GIAHS as a catalyst for expressing and strengthening pluralistic values and public goods functions of agriculture. Through this analysis, this study seeks to reaffirm that the FAO GIAHS framework is a traditional knowledge system that contains concerns and wisdom of past generations, which, if effectively harnessed, can help overcome ecological challenges and realize the potential for future agricultural and rural development.

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of agricultural heritage as a sustainable agricultural and rural paradigm with a focus on the “Argan-based agro-sylvo-pastoral system in the area of Ait Souab-Ait Mansour”, a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) site in Morocco. Based on the inscription criteria of the GIAHS, we analyzed the economic-industrial, sociocultural, and ecological-environmental perspectives and presented strategies for revitalizing agricultural and rural development cooperation through the Moroccan Argan GIAHS. The argan tree has been a source of economic, cultural, and environmental stability for the Berber people for centuries, but today it is exposed to many threats. In particular, the declining consumption of argan oil by Berbers, the lack of financial independence of women's cooperatives, and the over-exploitation of the tree suggest that it is time to balance the three pillars of environmental, economic, and social sustainability that development has sought to achieve. Agricultural heritage can be preserved when local people take ownership of their heritage and utilize it to generate economic activities. Only a symbiotic way of life between humans and agricultural heritage can overcome the possibilities and limitations of the ecological environment and generate local value through the accumulation of knowledge, technology, and culture. Only on these premises, can local self-sustaining development based on the pluralistic values and public functions of the world's important agricultural heritage be possible.

본 논문은 GIAHS의 동적보전과 순응적 관리의 총체적 관리접근법에 대한 견해를 토대로 우리나라 농업·농촌유산에 대한 관리와 적용 가능한 활용방안에 대해 언급하였다. 우리나라 농업·농촌유산에 대한 DB화(기록화)도모와 ‘지역농업·농촌유산’, ‘국가적 농업·농촌유산 후보지’, ‘국가 농업·농촌유산’으로 순차적으로 구분하여 체계적인 관리시스템에의해 이루어져야 할 것이며 최종적으로 FAO의 세계중요농업유산으로 신청할 수 있도록 하는 것이다. 또한 농업·농촌유산에대한 동적보전 및 사업계획의 방법으로 지방 유산제도 도입과 지방유산의 지정을 조장하기 위한 매뉴얼 등을 마련하여보급하는 것과 “농업·농촌유산자원해설사”와 “농업유산 지식체계의 전승자” 등 농업·농촌유산자원에 대한 보전·관리및 계승을 위한 제도 도입 병행이 필요하다. 따라서 농촌의 자연자원·경관자원·생태자원과 함께 통합적 관리를 위한체계적이고 효율적인 관리·활용을 위한 관련법 제정이 우선적으로 이루어져야 할 것이다.