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Eleventh Session of the Governing Body - Schedule of Side Events

Time Side Events
13.15–14.30
Puruchuco (403) | Integrating Peru’s Megadiversity into Sustainable Food Systems: Scaling up Successes from Food Processing and Other Food Actors
Abstract
With shared challenges and opportunities, collaboration between food processors and actors working with plant genetic resources is accelerating. This side event showcases regional cases involving food processors, gene banks, NGOs, FAO and agrobiodiversity positive companies, highlighting models that can be replicated and scaled. By deepening the shared value proposition among the food processing industry, FAO and the International Treaty, the session will map bottlenecks and build SDG aligned partnerships. It welcomes GB delegates, Funding Committee members, regional industry stakeholders, FAO Peru, relevant BSF partners and previous panelists from the 2024 special event.
Organizers:ITPGRFA Secretariat
Languages:English | Spanish
Sala PACHACAMAC (603) | Regional Launch for Latin America and the Caribbean of The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Abstract:
The findings of the The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Third Report) , which document progress since the publication of the previous report in 2010 and remaining gaps, constitute critically important evidence that can trigger policy developments. The findings also serve as evidence to inform future activities to address hunger and malnutrition, and reversing the loss of crop diversity. Key findings from the Third Report will be presented, with discussions held on implications for future policies, strategies and actions for Latin America and the Caribbean. Following the presentation of the key findings of the Third Report, a high-level panel discussion will explore key issues and priorities for policy and strategy development for the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA in Latin America and the Caribbean. Interpretation will be provided in English and Spanish.
Organizers:Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) - FAO
Languages:English | Spanish
Mateo Salado (407) | From the Peruvian Andes to Svalbard Global Seed Vault – An arctic backup facility preserving the PGR’s of the world
Abstract:
The global need for genebanks to secure seed collections is the reason why three large chambers were carved 130 meters into the Plateau Mountain, located 78 degrees north, near Longyearbyen – the world’s northernmost settlement. Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the world's largest backup facility for crop diversity, making it a crucial outpost for global food security. Today the Seed Vault contains more than 1,3 million seed samples of more than 6500 plant species from 131 depositors from all over the globe.  Altogether, the seed samples in the Seed Vault originate from almost every country in the world. This side event will focus on practical information for depositors, the mission of the Seed Vault and will highlight the importance of safety back-ups of seeds.
Organizers:Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NordGen) in collaboration with the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Crop Trust and the International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Languages:English
16.00–16.30
Exhibition Floor (1) | Exhibition launch: Seeds of Peru x Infinity Loop
Abstract
The exhibition Seeds of Peru spotlights the unique agrobiodiversity of Peru as center of crop diversity. For this, the National Institute for Agrarian Innovation (INIA), has invited farmers, researchers, chefs and others from across the country to showcase there unique diversity of seeds, crop varieties and foods. In an immersive Infinity loop, the International Treaty, International Potato Centre, CGIAR, Global Crop Diversity Trust and NordGen showcase the journey of seeds, from farmers’ fields, where diversity is nurtured and knowledge is passed on, to genebanks and research centres, where genetic resources are conserved, studied, improved and shared — and back again to the farmers who cultivate the future of our food systems.
Join us for special launch moment from 16.00-16.30
Organizers:INIA, ITPGRFA, CIP, CGIAR genebanks accelerator, CropTrust, NordGen
Languages:Spanish (launch moment), the exhibition contains text in English and Spanish
18.15-19.30
Puruchuco (403) | Where the rubber hits the road: CGIAR and NARIs sharing capacity to conserve and sustainable use PGRFA
Abstract
Capacity-sharing’ is a nebulous term, and commitments to increase it often sound like empty platitudes. At this side event, scientists from CGIAR, national agricultural research institutions (NARIs) and the Plant Treaty Secretariat will cut through the rhetoric to present practical examples of how they are actively sharing capacity under the Plant Treaty framework to:
  • increase PGRFA diversity conserved and made available
  • improve crops, forages, and trees
  • restore tree diversity at farm and landscape levels
  • generate and use DSI as part of conservation, breeding and restoration efforts
  • develop policy measures to participate in the Multilateral System
While there have been notable successes, speakers will also highlight challenges they have experienced coming together to share capacities in these contexts. Most importantly, they will make recommendations for how to substantially improve capacity sharing under the Plant Treaty framework in the years to come.
Organizers:CGIAR
Languages:English | Spanish | French
Armatambo (405) | Fostering Cultivated Biodiversity through Local Food Policies
Abstract: Cultivated biodiversity is key to sustainable food systems, enabling diverse, locally adapted species and cultivars vital in times of climate change and global instability. By 2050, cities will host 68% of people and consume 80% of food. Municipalities are through central actors in food systems resilience. A City Region Food System approach allow to connect local farmers, breeders, seed savers, processors, retailers, organizations and citizens to drive transformation. This event explores how the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA supports this path with examples from European cities.
Organizers:Rete Semi Rurali (RSR), LiveSeeding
Languages:English
Mateo Salado (407) | From the Potato Park to a Global Network: Indigenous Territories Protecting Seed Diversity
Abstract: This side event showcases community-led approaches to implementing the Treaty's core articles on in-situ conservation and the realization of Farmers’ Rights. Anchored in Peru’s globally recognized Potato Park, experts will demonstrate how Biocultural Heritage Territories function as effective systems for safeguarding crop genetic resources and food sovereignty in centers of diversity and origin. The session will illustrate the successful scaling of this framework through the International Network of Mountain Indigenous Peoples (INMIP), with examples from Peru, China, Kenya and Tajikistan. The event will present concrete policy recommendations for the Governing Body, derived from a pre-GB11 workshop in Cusco. These recommendations will highlight how supportive national legal instruments, such as Peru’s Law on Agrobiodiversity Zones, can secure and strengthen the vital contributions of Biocultural Heritage Territories to the Treaty’s objectives.
Organizers:IIED (UK), Asociación ANDES (Peru), International Network of Mountain Indigenous Peoples (INMIP), the Potato Park (Peru), the Chalakuy-Maize Park (Peru), Farmer Seed Network (China), Ărramăt Project (Canada), ITPGRFA Secretariat
Languages:English | Spanish
CAFETERIA | Cata de Diversidad
Abstract:
Como actividad principal, se llevará a cabo el Side Event “Cata de Diversidad”, donde los visitantes podrán degustar chocolates producidos por el mismo chocolatero y con la misma receta, con la unica diferencia siendo los grupos genéticos de cacao, y así comprobar cómo la diversidad genética se expresa en diversidad de sabores aromas y texturas. El objetivo de esta cata es evidenciar que, aunque todos los insumos se mantengan constantes, el grupo genético del grano transforma por completo el sabor y el aroma del chocolate. Esta cata será guiada por el Catador certificado y juez internacional de chocolate, el Ing. Aurelio Loret de Mola.
Organizers:DeVida
Languages:Spanish
Time Side Events
13.15–14.30
Puruchuco (403) | Presenting Agrobiodiversity Focused Communities of Practice
Abstract: With common challenges and opportunities, there is an increase focused on the exchange of knowledge and innovations between actors working with plant genetic resources. Since 2024, various International Treaty Benefit-sharing Fund projects collaborate and exchange knowledge in a Community of Practice. Likewise, other global programmes such as managed by Oxfam Novib and by the McKnight Foundation also coordinate Communities of Practice. In this side event, we will both discuss the structure, lessons and achievements of these global, agrobiodiversity-focused knowledge groups and go into their most discussed topics.
Organizers:ITPGRFA Secretariat
Languages:English |Spanish
Armatambo (405) | Seeds Choice: Conversations for Change
Abstract:
To cultivate a shared future, we need to presently cultivate a rich diversity of plant genetic resources and pluralistic seed systems. The Seeds for Food Coalition, through safe space dialogues, works towards building new dynamics of inclusive seed systems for food systems transformation. We initiated “Seeds Choice: Conversations for Change” for a diverse range of stakeholders to learn together to enable farmers’ seed choice. We are sharing initial results, and we seek your participation to help in the trust building process.
Organizers:Governments of Netherlands and Malawi and the International Seed Federation
Languages:English
Mateo Salado (407) | Genebanks, botanical gardens and the Plant Treaty: relevance of the Global Crop Conservation Strategies and of the Global Conservation Consortium for Food Plants for the implementation of the Plant Treaty
Abstract:
This session will explore the relevance of the Global Crop Conservation Strategies and of the botanic garden sector for the implementation of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It will begin with an overview of activities conducted to mainstream the Global Strategies in Plant Treaty processes, presented by the Crop Trust. A case study from the International Potato Center will highlight the implementation of a key recommendation of the Global Strategy for the conservation of potato - the establishment of a cryopreservation hub. The session will feature the launch of the new Global Conservation Consortium for Food Plants, led by the New York Botanical Garden in collaboration with Botanic Gardens Conservation International and other botanic garden and genebank partners, and will include a discussion of the role of the Consortium in supporting Treaty implementation. The event will conclude with a Q&A panel featuring representatives from genebanks and botanic gardens, fostering dialogue on collaborative approaches to safeguarding plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
Organizers:Crop Trust – New York Botanical Garden, Gothenburg Botanical Garden
Languages:English
18.15-19.30
Puruchuco (403) | Youth and Agrobiodiversity: Sowing the future from the territories
Abstract:
This event platforms youth from across the agrifood sector to share experiences, challenges, innovations, and engage in a dialogue with experts. The discussion advances the Treaty’s commitment, since the Tenth Session of the Governing Body, to include youth perspectives in the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
Organizers:ITPGRFA Secretariat, FAO Peru
Languages:English | Spanish
Armatambo (405) | 1. Intellectual Property Rights on seeds - The important role of the Treaty; 2. Southern African experiences on Farmers Rights and Agroecology
Abstract:

1.Intellectual Property Rights on seeds
Presenting key findings on how IPRs on seeds may affect the use of materials included in the Multilateral System. This concerns Article 12.3(d) of the Treaty, which aims to limit the application of IPRs that restrict facilitated access to PGRFA in Genebanks. We provide answers on how this fundamental article can finally be implemented. Secondly, we will discuss the problems related to differentiated benefit-sharing rates between products available with or without restriction.

2. Southern African experiences on Farmers Rights and Agroecology
Farmers’ rights and agroecology are deeply inter-connected: farmers’ rights provide the policy foundation for agroecology to thrive, and agroecology reflects the practical realization of farmers’ rights. This session shares experiences from the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) on how smallholder farmers advance agroecology, strengthen farmer-led seed systems, and realise farmers’ rights through participatory plant breeding, community seed banks, food festivals, and policy advocacy.

Organizers:ProSpecieRara, The Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) (Joint side event)
Languages:English
Mateo Salado (407) | Farmers’ Rights in India – RECENT ADVANCEMENTS
Abstract

This side event highlights advancements in the realization of Farmers’ Rights in India, including the mainstreaming of farmers’ varieties and a financial mechanism for community seed banks (CSBs), and shares insights from DIVERSIFARM-India, a project that is mapping CSBs, exploring their success factors and developing enabling policy environments.

Organizers:Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, Government of India, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway, and the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, India
Languages:English
Time Side Events
13.15–14.30
Puruchuco (403) | Monitoring Non-Monetary Benefit-sharing under the ITPGRFA to leverage benefits in crop diversity Research and Development
Abstract:
Non-monetary benefits are generally understood as in-kind contributions from users of genetic resources. This side-event will present approaches to monitoring non-monetary benefits under the ITPGRFA and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, highlighting methodologies, key indicators, opportunities for collaboration, and bring expert perspectives from diverse contexts based on concrete practices and experiences.
Organizers:Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (Cirad), Leibniz Institutes DSMZ German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSMZ)
Languages:English
Armatambo (405) | Biocultural Heritage Rights and Economic Empowerment: Launching the Potato Park “Sumac Kawsay” Native Potato Seed Cooperative
Abstract:
This event celebrates the launch of the Potato Park's Indigenous-owned "Sumac Kawsay" Native Potato Seed Cooperative. Rooted in biocultural heritage, it directly empowers communities, upholds Farmers’ Rights, UNDRIP, and relevant national legislation, and ensures equitable benefit-sharing. A community-managed trademark, regional markets, agroecotourism, and women-led gastronomy enterprises expand native potato reach and income. Attendees will savor a "Papamanka" native potato tasting, launch the "Taquesqa" catalog, and discuss community seed production and Indigenous knowledge associate to PGRFA protection, highlighting Indigenous systems' vital role in global agrobiodiversity.
Organizers:Parque de la Papa, Asociación ANDES, Swift Foundation, International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Languages:English, Spanish, Quechua
Mateo Salado (407) | Diversity for mutual benefit: public-private collaboration
Abstract:
This session explores how to strengthen public-private collaboration for conserving and sustainably using PGRFA. As agricultural biodiversity declines, trust gaps hinder cooperation between gene banks, research institutes, and the private sector. Featuring experts from governments, academia, industry, and civil society, the session highlights guiding principles and real-world examples of partnerships that improve farmers’ access to diverse, high-quality seeds and promote agrobiodiversity.
Organizers:Plantum, SeedNL
Languages:English
18.15-19.30
Puruchuco (403)| Exploring Policies to Promote and Strengthen Farmer-Managed Seed Systems
Abstract:
Farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS) are increasingly recognized as a vital source of agrobiodiversity, shedding light upon the importance of conserving, sustainably using and developing genetically diverse and locally adapted varieties. However, a fundamental shift is needed in policy to strengthen the role of farmers as developers and custodians of agrobiodiversity within the community-based systems that they work in. The International Community of Practice on FMSS and the McKnight Foundation will explore different policy mechanisms and approaches to strengthen FMSS that include case studies on adopting a sui generis plant variety protection policy that recognizes farmers' rights, how relations can be improved between different seed actors, one country's journey in establishing a farmers' variety registration system, and marketing organic heterogeneous material. A panel discussion will follow that focuses on pertinent questions to the current policy landscape, around economic policies, intellectual property rights, and the right to food.
Organizers:The McKnight Foundation – Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems/Andes Community of Practice • OXFAM Novib • OXFAM Peru • Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM) • Peruvian Society for Environmental Law • FOVIDA GRISEN/Seed Group Peru • Community Technology Development Organisation (CTDO) • Rete Semi Rurali (RSR) • Seed & Knowledge Initiative (SKI)
Languages:English | Spanish
Armatambo (405) | Systematic Monitoring of On-Farm Diversity: promoting a community of practice
Abstract:
To track the conservation status and dynamics of landraces on-farm it is essential to monitor varietal populations in key selected hotspots. Monitoring intraspecific diversity in centers of crop origin is like keeping a ‘health check’ - it tells us about the conservation status of diversity, risk of genetic erosion and action to be taken. Ideally, semi-standard procedures in on-farm monitoring make data comparable (in space and time), reliable, and useful, thus helping conservation practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to work together to protect agricultural diversity. In this session diverse actors will share experiences with methods to establish monitoring sites, baselines, tools and methods, and decision support platforms with the aim to promote a community of practice. Objectives are to share proven approaches for systematic on-farm diversity monitoring and promote a collaborative community of practice to sustain agricultural biodiversity..
Organizers:International Potato Center (CIP)
Languages:English
Mateo Salado (407) | Technical and Institutional Reflections on Catalyzing Change in PGRFA Management
Abstract:
Drawing from decades of collaboration with farmers in local and indigenous communities, this event shares technical, policy, and institutional reflections on the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. Together, we have pioneered concepts and tools that were adapted and scaled into global programs. Guided by the Treaty and supported by the BSF, we aim to go beyond projects to catalyze lasting change towards a shared future. The session will share progress, hard-earned lessons, and confront ongoing challenges, offering recommendations to strengthen farmers’ and indigenous peoples’ seed systems and reaffirm their central role as custodians of agricultural biodiversity.
Organizers:International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); Asociación ANDES – Association for Nature and Sustainable Development (ANDES), Peru; Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT), Zimbabwe; Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (SEARICE); with the Sprouts Collective and Farmer Seeds Network (FSN).
Languages:English 
Time Side Events
13.15–14.30
Puruchuco (403) | Peru's Agrobiodiversity Zones: Progress and Lessons Learned in the Implementation of the Treaty and Global Food Security
Abstract:
Peru aims to share progress in the implementation of Agrobiodiversity Zones (ZABDs), an innovative strategy that connects community conservation, science and public policies. With the support of TIRFAA; activities are carried out in crops important for food security such as potatoes, olluco, quinoa and other andean tubers and grains; including the strengthening of community seed banks, characterization, reintroduction of varieties and strengthening climate resilience and global food security.
Organizers:Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA)
Program
Languages:English | Spanish
Armatambo (405) | Regional Cryohubs for Recalcitrant Crops: A Template for Success!
Abstract:
The Latin American Cryo Hub is a model to be replicated to ensure redundancy in conservation efforts where regions can safeguard their genetic resources. By adopting the Latin American Cryo Hub's framework, others can develop their own cryopreservation facilities, enhancing global food security and biodiversity conservation. This will strengthen local capacities and create a network of interconnected hubs, ensuring that genetic materials are preserved and accessible worldwide.
Program
Organizers:International Potato Center (CIP) and CGIAR
Languages:English | Spanish
Mateo Salado (407) | Practical Guides to the Application of the Genebank Standards: Supporting best practices in genebank management
Abstract:

The Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Genebank Standards), published in 2014, guide Members in the current minimum standards and best practices for effective management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) ex situ. Five companion guides to the Genebank Standards have been developed to achieve this goal: 

Practical guide for the application of the Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: 

The practical guides detail the action steps of the genebank workflow in a sequential manner. The objective of the event is to showcase the practical guides and promote their value in guiding adherence to best practices for the ex situ conservation of PGRFA in seed, field, in vitro and cryopreservation genebanks. 

Organizers:Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) - FAO
Languages:English | Spanish
18.15-19.30
Puruchuco (403) | Sitios SIPAM y Zonas de Agrobiodiversidad para la distribución de beneficios derivados del uso de los recursos genéticos
Abstract:
Este evento presentará la propuesta para establecer una red regional de sitios SIPAM y Zonas de Agrobiodiversidad, concebida como modelo para el monitoreo de las Metas Kunming-Montreal (7, 10, 22 y 23). También explorará mecanismos de retribución por servicios de conservación como vía para avanzar en la implementación del tercer objetivo del TIRFAA.

Organizers:El Programa SIPAM de la FAO y el Ministerio del Ambiente de Perú
Languages:English | Spanish
Armatambo (405) | Building connections from the global to the local level: the role of academia
Abstract:

Ongoing negotiations for the revision of the Treaty’s Multilateral System of access and benefit-sharing are taking place in an increasingly complex global policy landscape. The focus on technical aspects of exchanges of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture risks sidelining governance considerations that are necessary for the achievement of the overall objectives of the Treaty. In view of the session’s theme, we invite reflection on the need for connections between actors and stakeholders from different spheres and at different levels, with particular focus on the role of women farmers and youth. This will be followed by critically reflecting on the role of academia in this endeavor to better contribute to the processes of the Treaty and in facilitating its achievement of sustainable agriculture and food security.

Organizers:EcoLAWgy, University of Liège
Languages:English
Mateo Salado (407) | Modelos de gestión territorial de la agrobiodiversidad: algunas experiencias desde el Perú
Abstract:
En los últimos años, el Perú ha desarrollado y puesto en práctica diferentes figuras legales para proteger la agrobiodiversidad, especialmente in situ, a partir de un enfoque territorial. En el marco del TIRFAA, la conservación in situ es un componente central de sus obligaciones y una manera concreta de cumplir e implementar sus disposiciones, incluyendo aquellas relacionadas a los Derechos del Agricultor.
Organizers:Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, CIP, WCS, INIA, Ministerio del Ambiente Peru
Languages:English | Spanish
Note: The schedule of side events may change to accommodate the needs of the Session. Please check the GB-11 page on our website, the Daily Journal in the Meeting App, or the display screens at the venue for the latest schedule.