The Impact of Climate Change on Geographical Indications: Ensuring Authenticity in Shifting Climates

Abstract

Climate change poses unprecedented threats to Geographical Indications (GIs) legally protected designations identifying products as originating from specific regions with distinctive characteristics. This study examines how climate variability impacts GI product quality, yield, and market viability through systematic analysis of six GI-registered agricultural products from India: Cumbum Paneer Grapes, Authoor Betel Leaves, Sholavandhan Betel Leaves, Kanyakumari Matti Banana, Navara Rice, and Palakkadan Matta Rice. Our findings identify five recurring climate-GI vulnerability mechanisms: hydrological misalignment, thermal stress and phenological disruption, soil degradation, pest and disease expansion, and chemical composition alteration. Current Indian GI governance frameworks lack post-registration monitoring systems and climate adaptation support mechanisms. We propose a Climate-Adaptive GI Management Framework incorporating three pillars: (1) formalized monitoring of climate variables and product quality; (2) support for climate-smart agricultural practices prioritizing product quality; and (3) enhanced policy instruments integrating climate resilience into GI governance. Drawing from the European Union's bioclimatic GI model, we recommend India strengthen legal frameworks to embed climate resilience monitoring into GI certification standards. This research makes original contributions through explicit articulation of climate-GI vulnerability typologies and practical monitoring and adaptation protocols currently absent from Indian GI policy and academic literature. The study concludes that GI protection systems, when integrated with climate adaptive measures, can serve as effective instruments for sustainable rural development and food security in the face of climate change.