07/04/2014

Indonesia has become the first developing country to make a voluntary financial contribution into the Benefit-Sharing Fund of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

The Indonesian contribution of USD 100,000 arrived on the heels of the launch of the 3rd Call for Project Proposal under the Benefit-Sharing Fund, which supports projects in developing countries. The Indonesian contribution will go towards funding the 4th round of projects, expected to be launched in 2016. The main beneficiaries of the Fund are small farmers and local communities in developing countries, who are working to maintain and increase food crop diversity.

Dr Suswono, Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture, said, “The contribution we have made reveals Indonesia’s firm commitment to the Treaty. We hope that this will inspire other countries to also donate to the Fund so that it can continue functioning strongly for the benefit of all.”

“We are delighted with this voluntary payment by Indonesia, and are grateful for Indonesia’s support and leadership,” said Dr Shakeel Bhatti, Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources that oversees the Fund. “Although this may seem a modest contribution, it is an important sign of support and will help bolster benefit-sharing efforts under the International Treaty, something we expect other countries and donor organizations to join in. Funds distributed through the Treaty Fund so far have already made a positive impact on over 15,000 farmers in 55 countries, by investing almost USD 9.6 million through 41 projects since 2009, and we hope to continue doing so in the future.”

The 3rd Call for Project Proposals under the Fund, launched on 7 March 2014, will be investing an unprecedented USD 10 million in projects focusing on helping farmers adapt their agricultural practices to climate change, and to projects focused on technology transfer. The Benefit-Sharing Fund of the International Treaty is funded primarily through voluntary contributions, and has been growing steadily since 2008, when the Treaty launched its 1st call for project proposals.

Other countries who have recently contributed to the Benefit-Sharing Fund include Australia, Italy, Norway, Spain, and the European Union.