Geographical indications (GIs) can be an effective tool for rural development when certain key factors are in place. GIs link a quality agricultural product to its geographical place of origin, benefiting the producers, economy, society and environment of that region. For sustainable rural development through GIs, there must be a specific high-quality product, resources in the local place of production, and motivated local people organized collectively. An association is formed and a code of practice developed to define and protect the product. With legal recognition and marketing support, GIs can boost the rural economy through niche markets while preserving cultural heritage and biodiversity of the region. However, successful impacts depend on coordination between different levels of government, sectors of the