Regulation on the Formal Recognition of Agrobiodiversity Zones (Supreme Decree No. 020-2016-MINAGRI)

Regulation approved by Supreme Decree No. 020-2016-MINAGRI, published on December 14, 2016, governing the procedure for the formal recognition of Agrobiodiversity Zones dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of native cultivated species by Indigenous peoples in Peru. These zones are geographical areas characterized by their native agricultural, cultural and ecological diversity, where Indigenous peoples maintain, manage and conserve agricultural genetic resources through traditional knowledge, practices and production systems. The regulation establishes recognition conditions, technical application requirements, assessment of genetic and cultural diversity, territorial delimitation and documentation of land rights within the proposed zone. The National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) conducts technical assessments and inspections, while the competent ministry formalizes recognition. It also regulates activities compatible with conservation, including traditional agriculture, seed exchanges, agroforestry systems, research and training, as well as grounds for withdrawing recognition and related corrective measures. Its purpose is to support in situ conservation of native agrobiodiversity and associated traditional knowledge through territorial recognition and community-based management. It does not establish a general land-titling, agricultural financing or forest restoration program.