FAO launches Villages Recognition Initiative to celebrate rural heritage and innovation

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Monday launched the Villages Recognition Initiative, which celebrates the vital role of rural villages in advancing sustainable agrifood systems, conserving biodiversity, preserving food traditions and local knowledge, and fostering inclusive rural transformation.

The initiative, developed under FAO MuNe (the Food and Agriculture Museum and Network) is championed by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu as part of the Organization’s 80th Anniversary celebrations.

It aims to recognize villages that embody resilience, innovation, and cultural heritage while highlighting their role in linking traditional knowledge with modern solutions, sustaining local agrifood systems, and preserving agricultural and food traditions. By fostering exchange and mutual learning, the program promotes global visibility for community-driven approaches and integrates them into the FAO MuNe Network.

Aligned with FAO’s vision of Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life – leaving no one behind, the initiative honors rural women, men, and youth, including small-scale producers, fishers, foresters, pastoralists, and Indigenous Peoples, who safeguard traditions, protect natural resources, and drive innovation in their communities.

Villages are nominated by FAO Members and the Organization itself for their outstanding contributions. This inclusive approach reflects FAO’s commitment to diversity, collaboration, and community impact, celebrating the collective achievements of rural communities worldwide.

Director-General Qu said the initiative stems from his deep belief that rural communities are at the very core of global agrifood systems transformation.

Categories for nomination

Nominations fall under four categories, showcasing the richness and diversity of rural life:

• Natural Villages - Villages that conserve and protect natural heritage and biodiversity, including traditional and indigenous knowledge practices.
• Traditional Food Cultures - Villages that preserve and enhance distinctive food traditions, cultural practices, and knowledge systems.
• Agritourist Experiences - Villages that link agriculture and food development with cultural, educational, or tourism-related activities.
• Science, Innovation, and Digital Villages - Villages that apply scientific, technological, or digital solutions for rural development while maintaining local identity.

Already more than 300 nominations from 69 countries across all regions have been received so far.

The Villages Recognition Initiative emphasizes appreciation and visibility over competition. Assessments focus on understanding and showcasing each village’s unique contributions, rather than ranking them.

Recognized villages will receive:

• A digital Certificate of Recognition endorsed by the FAO Director-General
• Official acknowledgment during dedicated sessions
• Inclusion in the FAO MuNe Network
• Visibility on the MuNe digital platform for global knowledge exchange