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Promoting the Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources to Achieve Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Food Security - FMM/GLO/153/MUL

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 2

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Synopsis (short abstract) The conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources are essential to achieving sustainable agriculture and food security, for present and future generations. However, the diversity of plant species continues decreasing at an alarming rate, while the world’s population is growing, hunger and malnutrition prevail, and adverse impacts of climate change are increasing. In the most affected countries, there is usually a lack of strong legal frameworks and institutional capacities related to the management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) to face these issues. The ITPGRFA provides the required enabling framework and brings together countries, relevant organizations and key stakeholders around the world to join their efforts in the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s plant genetic resources for global food security. This subprogramme aimed to improving developing countries capacities on the implementation of the ITPGRFA by supporting policymaking and providing relevant information, tools and resources, as well as a common space for knowledge-sharing and exchange of best practices.

Language English

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    Strengthening the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture - GCP/INT/975/SWI 2019
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    Genetic diversity is fundamental to global food security. The conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture is an increasing challenge, including because of growing reliance on a small number of crop varieties and livestock breeds. While in recent years increasing attention has been paid to the conservation of genetic resources, the importance of sustainably using them in order to realize their value has often been overlooked. Furthermore, legislative, administrative and policy measures that aim to protect animal, plant or human life may also limit the free exchange of genetic resources and hence their use in the achievement of sustainable food and agriculture. The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, a permanent intergovernmental forum established in 1983, deals with policy matters related to the management of all components of biodiversity for food and agriculture. This project supported the Commission’s work on promoting regular dialogue and mobilizing international cooperation for the monitoring, conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture.
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