The Implementation of Programme of Work on Sustainable Use of PGRFA
The implementation of Article 6 is a priority item on the agenda of the Governing Body of the International Treaty, with the aim of promoting an integrated approach to the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) among Contracting Parties.
At its Sixth Session, through Resolution 4/2015, the Governing Body endorsed the revised Programme of Work sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Programme of Work on Sustainable Use of PGRFA (PoW) 2016-2019
Mission: To enhance the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture through effective measures that translate Article 6 of the Treaty into country-level impact.
Goals:
- To provide support to Contracting Parties and stakeholders to implement the provisions of Articles 5, 6, and 9 of the Treaty that are relevant to the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, based on national priorities and needs.
- To provide policy direction and guidance by monitoring the implementation of the Treaty in relation to sustainable use, as foreseen in Article 6 of the Treaty.
- To strengthen collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders participating in projects and programmes relevant to the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, taking into account the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
- To implement the objectives of non-monetary benefit-sharing, and the the Priority Activities of the Second Global Plan of Action, regarding the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The PoW contains different sets of activities by stakeholders, divided into activities agreed by the Governing Body (Part A), and supporting initiatives undertaken by Contracting Parties and other stakeholders voluntarily (Part B) such as:
A1. Implementing the sustainable use of PGRFA, as per Article 6 of the Treaty
A2. Toolbox for Sustainable Use of PGRFA
B1. Platform for the Co-Development and Transfer of Technologies within the context of non-monetary benefit-sharing
B2. Training and capacity building on Farmers’ Rights and sustainable use
B3. Raising awareness of the actual and potential value of crop wild relatives, landraces and underutilized species of local and regional importance for food security and sustainable development
The Ad Hoc Technical Committee on Sustainable Use
The Ad Hoc Technical Committee on Sustainable Use
By Resolution 5/2019 the Governing Body established the Ad Hoc Technical Committee on Conservation and Sustainable Use (ACSU). The Committee continued to perform the assigned tasks by the Governing Body (Fourth Session Resolution 7/2011; Fifth Session, Resolution 7/2013; Sixth Session, Resolution 4/2015 and Seventh Session, Resolution 6/2017) to date.
The Ad Hoc Technical Committee on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture will:
i) Review the compilation and summaries provided by the Secretary on the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA;
ii) Based on this review, identify examples and opportunities to support and assist Contracting Parties and stakeholders in promoting, enhancing and further developing the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA as set out in Articles 5 and 6 of the International Treaty;
iii) Review the information provided by the Secretary on the Toolbox for Sustainable Use of PGRFA;
iv) Based on this review, assess the relevance and effectiveness of the Toolbox and prepare concrete recommendations on how it can be monitored, evaluated and improved in order to better guide Contracting Parties and stakeholders for the sustainable use of PGRFA;
v) Provide advice about the possibility of a future Joint Programme on Biodiversity in Agriculture for Sustainable Use of PGRFA based on the documentation prepared by the Secretariat;
Based on the above, recommend further steps on how the Governing Body can assist Contracting Parties in advancing the implementation of Articles 5 and 6 of the International Treaty for consideration of the Governing Body at its Ninth Session.
The Committee will provide advice to the Secretary on:
- implementation of the Programme of Work on Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and Supporting Initiatives;
- cooperation with other international processes and institutions in the field of sustainable use of PGRFA;
- identification of additional activities and synergies within the Programme of Work and between the Programme of Work and other areas of work of the International Treaty.
Chronology of Meetings:
- Fourth Meeting of the Committee: Electronic Consultation of the Committe (8-26 April 2019)
- Informal Meeting of the experts on the implementation of the Sustainable Use of PGRFA and the Joint Programme on biodiversity in Agriculture (May 2018)
- Third Meeting of the Committe (October 2016)
- Second Meeting of the Committe (March 2015)
- First Meeting of the Committee (November 2012)