FAO Recognizes Metepantle Agricultural System, Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Mexico

Introduction and GIAHS Designation

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has officially designated the ancestral Metepantle agricultural system in Tlaxcala, Mexico, as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). The announcement was confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER). This designation marks Mexico’s third GIAHS site, joining the Chinampa system in Xochimilco and the Maya Milpa in Yucatan. The Metepantle system is now one of 102 recognized sites across 29 countries.

GIAHS are defined by the FAO as dynamic systems that exemplify the integration of community, culture, and environment. These systems are critical for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to their inherent characteristics.

• Resilience: Enhancing capacity for climate adaptation (SDG 13).
• Biodiversity: Conserving terrestrial ecosystems and agrobiodiversity (SDG 15).
• Traditional Knowledge: Protecting cultural heritage and promoting sustainable practices (SDG 11).
• Livelihoods and Food Security: Ensuring sustainable food production and supporting rural economies (SDG 2, SDG 1).

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The recognition of the Metepantle system directly supports Mexico’s progress toward several key SDGs. The designation highlights a model of production that is environmentally sustainable, socially equitable, and economically viable for local communities.

1. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): The system is a proven model for sustainable food production that enhances food security and sovereignty. It reinforces the government’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency through traditional and resilient methods.
2. SDG 15 (Life on Land): As a GIAHS, the Metepantle system is recognized for its contribution to conserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It represents a harmonious integration of agriculture and the natural landscape.
3. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The designation serves to safeguard Mexico’s unique biocultural wealth and agricultural heritage, a key target (11.4) of this goal. It ensures the protection of invaluable traditional knowledge for future generations.
4. SDG 13 (Climate Action): The inherent resilience of traditional farming practices like the Metepantle system offers vital strategies for climate change adaptation within agricultural communities.
5. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The successful designation resulted from a collaborative partnership between the Government of Mexico and the FAO, demonstrating effective international cooperation for sustainable development.

Official Confirmation and Procedural Overview

In a formal communication to Julio Berdegué, Minister of Agriculture, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu confirmed the designation. The approval followed a rigorous, multi-stage process managed by the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group.

The procedure included:

• Submission of a formal proposal by the Government of Mexico.
• A comprehensive evaluation by an expert panel.
• An on-site verification visit to the Tlaxcala region.
• Final approval by the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group during its meeting on May 19–20, 2025.

National Implications and Strategic Outlook

According to SADER, this international recognition strengthens Mexico’s regional leadership in promoting biocultural heritage and sustainable food systems. It aligns with the national government’s Action Plan, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, which prioritizes sustainable development and the conservation of traditional farming communities.

The designation reaffirms the government’s commitment to protecting national agricultural heritage as a cornerstone for achieving long-term food sovereignty and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article directly addresses this goal by focusing on an agricultural system. It mentions that GIAHS contribute to “livelihoods and food security” and that the Mexican government is committed to “advancing food self-sufficiency and sovereignty.” The recognition of “sustainable food production models” is central to achieving zero hunger.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • This goal is relevant as the article discusses the conservation of a terrestrial ecosystem in the “mountainous areas of Tlaxcala.” The GIAHS designation acknowledges systems characterized by “resilience, biodiversity… and landscapes.” The recognition supports the “conservation of traditional farming communities,” which is integral to protecting life on land.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article connects to this goal through its focus on protecting heritage. The Metepantle system is recognized as an “ancestral” system and a form of “agricultural heritage.” This aligns with efforts to safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

2. Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 2.4: Sustainable food production and resilient agricultural practices
   • The article explicitly mentions that the designation highlights “sustainable food production models.” Furthermore, GIAHS are described as “dynamic systems managed sustainably” and characterized by “resilience,” which directly corresponds to the language and intent of this target.
2. Target 2.5: Maintain genetic diversity in food production
   • The article’s emphasis on an “ancestral Metepantle agricultural system” and its “biocultural wealth” implies the conservation of traditional crops and farming methods. GIAHS are noted for their “biodiversity” and reliance on “traditional knowledge,” which are key components for maintaining the genetic diversity of seeds and cultivated plants as outlined in this target.
3. Target 11.4: Protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
   • The designation of the Metepantle system as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)” is a direct action to protect and safeguard a unique form of cultural and natural heritage. The article states the government’s commitment to “protecting agricultural heritage,” making this target highly relevant.

3. Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator for Target 11.4
   • The article provides a direct, measurable indicator for progress in protecting agricultural heritage. It states, “With this recognition, Mexico now has three agricultural systems acknowledged by FAO as world heritage… FAO has designated 102 GIAHS across 29 countries to date.” The number of designated GIAHS serves as a clear indicator of efforts to safeguard such heritage sites.
2. Implied Indicators for SDG 2 and SDG 15
   • While the article does not provide specific quantitative data, it implies other indicators. The continued existence and official recognition of systems that promote “biodiversity,” “resilience,” and “sustainable food production” can be seen as a qualitative indicator of progress towards Targets 2.4 and 2.5. The area of land managed under these recognized sustainable systems would be a potential quantitative indicator for measuring the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems (SDG 15).

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mexicobusiness.news