- Adopted during the 31st session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome in November 2001, this comprehensive and legally binding agreement officially came into effect on June 29, 2004.
- Currently, it boasts 149 Contracting Parties, with India being among them. Distinguished scientists and experts from various countries worldwide are anticipated to participate.
OBJECTIVES
- The primary objectives include the development of climate-resilient plant varieties and the formulation of a roadmap facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge on plant genetic resources, ultimately enhancing crop production and productivity.
- Additionally, the conference aims to discuss the outcomes of informal consultations, particularly focusing on Farmers’ Rights, as outlined in Article 9 of the treaty.
It plays a pivotal role in guiding future actions essential for the advancement of the Treaty’s Multilateral System (MLS), recognized as crucial for agricultural research, development, and global food security. Furthermore, the event seeks to fortify provisions in alignment with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Nagoya Protocol, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the Global Crop Diversity Trust, and the emerging New Global Biodiversity Framework.
- The ninth session of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), commonly known as GB9, revolves around the theme “Celebrating the Guardians of Crop Diversity: Towards an Inclusive Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.”
THE THEME SERVES THE FOLLOWING PURPOSE:
- Acknowledging Small-Holder Farmers:
- It recognizes and appreciates the invaluable contribution made by small-holder farmers around the world. Their role as guardians of crop diversity is highlighted and celebrated within the context of the theme.
- Contributing to the New Global Biodiversity Framework:
- The theme provides a platform to deliberate on and contemplate how the Treaty and its associated community can actively contribute to shaping the upcoming global biodiversity framework beyond the year 2020. It emphasizes inclusivity and collective efforts in addressing biodiversity challenges.
SIGNIFICANCE 0F ITPGRFA
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) holds paramount importance for various reasons:
- Conservation of Biodiversity in Food & Agriculture:
- ITPGRFA plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity in food and agriculture, safeguarding the rights of farmers who are the custodians of this diversity.
- Common Platform for Deliberation:
- It provides a common platform for global deliberations on pivotal issues related to plant genetic resources, aiming to benefit the farming community worldwide.
- Scientific Exchange for Climate Resilience:
- Facilitates the scientific exchange of technological advancements among countries, contributing to mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and enhancing global food security.
- Base Material for New Varieties:
- The plant genetic resources from different countries serve as foundational material for developing new crop varieties, ensuring improved quality and higher productivity.
- Solutions for Food and Nutritional Security:
- Offers solutions to achieve food and nutritional security through the development of climate-resilient agriculture.
- Access and Benefit Sharing:
- Provides a framework for facilitating fair access to genetic resources and sharing benefits derived from their utilization.
ITPGRFA AND INDIA
India’s association with ITPGRFA is significant due to the following factors:
- Rich Crop Genetic Resources:
- India is endowed with diverse and rich crop genetic resources, making its participation crucial in global efforts for conservation.
- Established Infrastructure:
- India has successfully established legal, institutional, and academic infrastructure to utilize genetic diversity for breeding new and resilient crop varieties.
- Role in Bridging Disparities:
- India is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between technology-rich developed nations and gene-rich developing countries, facilitating resolutions on critical agenda items.
- Commitment to Conservation:
- The Ninth Session of the Governing Body (GB9) provides an excellent opportunity for India to reaffirm its commitment to the conservation and sustainable utilization of plant genetic diversity, as well as farmers’ rights on the global stage.
FAQs: INTERNATIONAL TREATY ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (ITPGRFA)
1. What is the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)?
A: The ITPGRFA is a legally binding international agreement adopted in November 2001 during the 31st session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome. It officially came into effect on June 29, 2004, and currently, it has 149 Contracting Parties, including India.
2. What are the main objectives of the ITPGRFA?
A: The primary objectives include the development of climate-resilient plant varieties and the facilitation of the exchange of scientific knowledge on plant genetic resources to enhance crop production and productivity. Additionally, it aims to discuss the outcomes of informal consultations, particularly focusing on Farmers’ Rights.
3. What is the significance of the ninth session of the Governing Body (GB9) of ITPGRFA?
A: GB9, with the theme “Celebrating the Guardians of Crop Diversity: Towards an Inclusive Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework,” acknowledges the contribution of small-holder farmers globally and aims to contribute to shaping the upcoming global biodiversity framework beyond 2020.
4. How does ITPGRFA contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in food and agriculture?
A: ITPGRFA plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity by safeguarding the rights of farmers, who are considered custodians of crop diversity. It provides a common platform for global deliberations on issues related to plant genetic resources.
5. What is the role of ITPGRFA in facilitating scientific exchange for climate resilience?
A: ITPGRFA facilitates the scientific exchange of technological advancements among countries, contributing to mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and enhancing global food security.
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