This paper examines the “agricultural heritage model” or agritage as a nature-based solution (NbS) for climate change adaptation in ethnic minority areas of northern Vietnam. It highlights how climate change, land degradation, and food insecurity increasingly threaten vulnerable communities. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from FAO and IUCN, the study shows that NbS such as agroforestry, organic farming, and ecosystem restoration, can enhance resilience while delivering environmental, economic, and social benefits. The case study in Van Ho, Son La province demonstrates how integrating indigenous knowledge with ecological practices improves livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and community cohesion. The model also incorporates nature-based tourism and experiential learning, creating diversified income sources. The paper concludes that agricultural heritage systems offer a promising pathway for sustainable rural development. However, scaling up requires supportive policies, financial investment, stakeholder participation, and capacity building, particularly emphasizing local knowledge, gender equality, and community empowerment.
