The region of La Axarquía was the setting for the 3rd Interregional Seminar and the 2nd Study Visit of the MED-GIAHS project, held from 8 to 11 September 2025. The event brought together institutional representatives, international experts, project partners, and local producers with a common goal: to strengthen the protection and promotion of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) in the Mediterranean.
Working sessions: coordination and strategy
The program began with the 4th Steering Committee, where project partners assessed the implementation status, financial monitoring, and communication actions. In addition, the selection of tourist experiences for the joint catalogue and the planning of upcoming events and transfer workshops were discussed.
This was followed by the 3rd Interregional Seminar, open to all participants. During this session, the MED-GIAHS Strategy, the Joint Guide for the definition of Action Plans, and the local catalogues of sustainable agritourism experiences developed in the territories were presented. The first draft of the MED-GIAHS Network Protocol was also shared, a key step to reinforce cooperation and the international projection of Mediterranean GIAHS sites.
The event featured the institutional participation of Fernando Fernández Tapia-Ruano, Territorial Delegate of the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Junta de Andalucía, who highlighted the importance of projects like MED-GIAHS in enhancing the value of traditional agricultural systems and their role in sustainable rural development.
Field experiences: tradition and sustainability
The program also included the 2nd MED-GIAHS Study Visit, which allowed participants to experience first-hand the Málaga Raisins GIAHS site in La Axarquía. The itinerary included:
- A visit to the Montefaco vineyards and traditional lagares, showcasing the artisanal process of Málaga raisins.
- A cultural tour through the municipalities of El Borge and Comares, highlighting their historical and landscape heritage.
- An experience at the Dimobe winery in Moclinejo, including a tasting of traditional wines that reflected the eno-gastronomic identity of the region.
- A stop at the Raisin Museum and the local cooperative in Almáchar, examples of how agricultural tradition is combined with innovation and collective organization.
Strengthening the MED-GIAHS Network
The event in La Axarquía strengthened ties between territories, fostered the exchange of knowledge and experiences, and consolidated the region’s role as an international benchmark in the sustainable management of agricultural heritage.
Thanks to the involvement of institutions, project partners, and local communities, MED-GIAHS continues to advance in building a strong Mediterranean network capable of protecting traditional agriculture and transforming it into a driver of sustainability, culture, and rural development.
