Southern Espinhaco Mountain Range, Minas Gerais State, Brazil - Southern Espinhaco Mountain Range of the Minas Gerais State in Brazil - Local farmers also known as Sempre-vivas flower gatherers have developed an effective agricultural system combining flower gathering, agroforestry gardening, livestock grazing and crop cultivation - all performed at various altitudes of up to 1400 meters. Such complex system is based on a wide range of traditional knowledge and practices passed on from generation to generation helping people achieve harmony with the environment while ensuring their food and livelihood security.
A traditional farming system in the Southern Espinhaco Mountain Range of the Minas Gerais State in Brazil has been recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), managed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It is the first time a Brazilian site has won the GIAHS recognition.