After years of dedicated research and tireless advocacy, a major milestone has been reached: in January 2023 UNESCO has officially inscribed the “Traditional Knowledge Methods and Practices Concerning Olive Cultivation in Anatolia” on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition marks a powerful moment of global acknowledgment for the deep-rooted cultural, ecological, and agricultural wisdom of Anatolia’s olive-growing communities.
In the hills and valleys of Western Anatolia, olive cultivation is not just agriculture—it is a way of life, shaped by generations of intimate knowledge and care for the land. Unlike commercial orchards established through industrial planting, the olive groves in this region are unique. Here, wild olive trees are grafted and tended, forming a distinctive anthropogenic ecosystem—one where human intervention has enhanced, not diminished, natural biodiversity.
This method has sustained rural communities and rich ecosystems for centuries, blending cultural tradition with ecological intelligence. It stands as a resilient model of agroecology, one that holds invaluable lessons in a time of global ecological crisis.
A Model for the Future in a Time of Crisis
As climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss challenge conventional agriculture, the traditional olive landscapes of Anatolia emerge as living examples of resilience. These systems offer low-input, sustainable production that nurtures the environment rather than exhausting it.
The recognition by UNESCO highlights how such indigenous practices are not relics of the past, but tools for a future in harmony with nature. The biodiversity supported by these olive groves—from native plants to migratory birds—is a testament to the potential of farming methods that coexist with nature.
A Collective Victory for Culture and Nature
This achievement is the result of extraordinary collaboration. A heartfelt congratulations goes to Doğa Derneği / BirdLife International in Türkiye, and to all the civil groups, farmers, researchers, and activists who have worked tirelessly to protect this heritage. Special thanks also to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye – Directorate General of Research and Training, whose support in nominating this practice to UNESCO made the recognition possible.
Their collective effort underscores an important truth: protecting traditional knowledge is not just cultural preservation—it is environmental activism. By honoring these time-honored methods, we safeguard the biodiversity, food systems, and cultural identities that define Anatolia.
UNESCO’s recognition is not an end—it is a beginning. It brings new visibility, new responsibility, and new opportunities to revitalize and transmit this knowledge to future generations. In celebrating this success, we are reminded that the answers to our modern challenges often lie in the wisdom of the past—rooted in soil, in community, and in centuries of respectful dialogue with nature.