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ProjectFactsheetStrengthening 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. -
ProjectFactsheetSupport for the Development of National Capacities for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture - TCP/SFS/3601 2020
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No results found.Food and nutrition insecurity remain major barriers to the development of Southern Africa. The primary challenge being faced concerns the sustainable production of greater quantities of high quality and diversified foods. Yet, rural farming communities still rely heavily on local crops despite the wide range of crops being farmed in the region. The use of integrated agro-ecological farming, which draws upon crop and livestock production methods, as well as fishery and forestry practices, among other techniques, has the potential to address food and nutrition security concerns in the region. However, there is a need to raise community awareness and develop farmers’ understanding of sustainable integrated farming practices. Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) are crucial for sustainable production, forming a biological foundation for food security and supporting the livelihoods of many population groups. Moreover, they are the most important raw material to plant breeders and the most essential input to farmers seeking to improve the quality and quantity of their produce. In the SADC, there is an urgent need to make better use of the genetic diversity conserved in gene banks throughout the region. This can be achieved by pre-breeding for specific traits and strengthening human capacity in hands-on plant breeding. The interface between gene banks and breeders has not been adequately addressed in the region and is therefore the focus of this project. -
BookletCorporate general interestConservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture
Safeguarding our food security
2023Also available in:
No results found.The booklet describes the importance of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) to address food insecurity, biodiversity loss, climate change adaptation, and poverty alleviation. It explains why PGRFA matter to food security and how the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA are addressed in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, including what guidance the International Treaty offers in its Articles 5 and 6 regarding measures and activities to be undertaken to support the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. The booklet also describes the four types of challenges and bottlenecks to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, including legal, policy and institutional challenges; technical and scientific issues; seed distribution and marketing of landraces and farmers’ crop varieties; and resource constraints. Finally, the booklet suggests how to improve current practices to safeguard our food security, with an emphasis on the responsibility of governments and institutions; the importance of public awareness, education and engagement; the role of science, research and innovation; and the need for resources. The booklet is designed to enhance understanding and awareness of the importance of PGRFA and increase the visibility of the International Treaty on PGRFA among the various stakeholders who work in crop conservation and use in their daily activities, such as agricultural researchers, gene bank personnel, breeders and farmers as well as other interested parties, including academia, the media and the general public.
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BookletCorporate general interestFAOSTYLE: English 2024The objective of having a house style is to ensure clarity and consistency across all FAO publications. Now available in HTML, this updated edition of FAOSTYLE: English covers matters such as punctuation, units, spelling and references. All FAO staff, consultants and contractors involved in writing, reviewing, editing, translating or proofreading FAO texts and information products in English should use FAOSTYLE, together with the practical guidance on processes and layout questions provided in Publishing at FAO – strategy and guidance.
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