Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: DTE
Context: The 20th meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) has commenced in Rome, where global leaders will discuss strategies for conserving plant and forest genetic resources and release two major global reports.
About Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA):
• What it is: A permanent intergovernmental body that focuses on conserving and sustainably using biodiversity essential for food security and agriculture.
• Established in: 1983, initially as the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources; expanded in 1995 to cover all genetic resources relevant to food and agriculture.
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Parent Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
• Aim of the Commission:
• To promote the sustainable use of biodiversity for food, agriculture, and human well-being. To foster global cooperation in conserving genetic resources and enhancing food security. To guide the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of genetic resource
• To promote the sustainable use of biodiversity for food, agriculture, and human well-being.
• To foster global cooperation in conserving genetic resources and enhancing food security.
• To guide the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of genetic resource
• Key Functions:
• Global Policy Development: Formulates international policies and strategies for biodiversity conservation in food and agriculture. Monitoring and Coordination: Oversees the implementation of conservation policies and coordinates efforts between member nations. Negotiation of Key Treaties: Guided negotiations for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Biodiversity Data Management: Supports the creation of global databases and information systems for better resource management. Biennial Meetings: Conducts regular sessions every two years, with special sessions when needed.
• Global Policy Development: Formulates international policies and strategies for biodiversity conservation in food and agriculture.
• Monitoring and Coordination: Oversees the implementation of conservation policies and coordinates efforts between member nations.
• Negotiation of Key Treaties: Guided negotiations for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
• Biodiversity Data Management: Supports the creation of global databases and information systems for better resource management.
• Biennial Meetings: Conducts regular sessions every two years, with special sessions when needed.