The International Network of Ex Situ Collections under the Auspices of FAO
In 1989, the CGRFA called for the development of The International Network of Ex Situ Collections under the Auspices of FAO, in line with Article 7.1(a) of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources, because of lack of clarity regarding the legal situation of the ex situ collections.
Twelve centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) signed agreements with FAO in 1994, placing most of their collections (some 500,000 accessions) in the International Network. Through these agreements, the Centres recognised the "intergovernmental authority of FAO and its Commission in setting policies for the International Network". They have agreed to hold the designated germplasm "in trust for the benefit of the international community", and "not to claim ownership, or seek intellectual property rights, over the designated germplasm and related information". The Regional Collection of the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), held by the governments of India, Indonesia and Cote d' Ivoire have also, since October 1998, been brought into the Network. In 1994, the Tropical Agriculture Research and Higher Learning Centre (CATIE) also brought materials of its ex situ collections into the Network.
The CGRFA monitors the implementation of the agreements and the Centers of CGIAR are invited to report to its biennial sessions. The CGRFA has stated that the Agreement provides and interim solution, until the revision of the International Undertaking has been completed. The Commission has noted that "the final form of the Agreements would depend on the outcome of the negotiations for the revision of the International Undertaking, and that the Agreements might need to be revised in the light of that outcome".
Relevant Documents
CPGR-6/95/12 Add.1
Joint Report by FAO and the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (on behalf of the CGIAR centres) on the implementation of the Agreement signed between FAO and the CGIAR Centres on 26 October 1994
CGRFA-8/99/7
Progress Report on the International Network of Ex Situ Collections under the auspices of FAO
CGRFA-8/99/Inf.6
Agreement between the Government of India, the IPGRI, and the FAO placing coconut germplasm collections under the auspices of FAO
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