18/10/2024

Protecting Biodiversity of Viticulture

Dijon, France, 18 October 2024 – The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during OIV’s centennial celebrations in Dijon, France. This historic MoU is aimed at promoting collaboration on the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources relating to grapes.

“This partnership sets out a clear framework for action, outlining how the Treaty and OIV will work together in the years to come,” said Kent Nnadozie, Secretary of the International Treaty in his address at the OIV centennial celebrations. “It is important to recognize that our work together will have a lasting impact, not only in the viti-vinicultural sector, but also on the agricultural systems that depend on it.”

This agreement marks a milestone in the shared mission of the International Treaty and OIV to safeguard the genetic diversity of viticultural crops, and to address one of the most urgent challenges we face: ensuring genetic diversity in the face of climate change, disease and biodiversity loss.

“The MoU between the International Plant Treaty and the OIV is the result of fruitful exchanges and a first mutual commitment by both intergovernmental bodies, represented by the signature of a Letter of Intent signed in November 2023, towards the conservation and enhancement of plant genetic resources, with a focus on biodiversity in viticulture,” said OIV Director General, John Barker.

Through this collaboration, the International Treaty and OIV will work together over the next five years (2025-2029), supporting capacity building and knowledge exchange activities.

“By protecting grapevine diversity, we are not only preserving the past, but also building resilience and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the cultural, economic and ecological benefits grapevines provide,” said Secretary Nnadozie.

 
Mr John Barker, OIV Director General and Mr Kent Nnadozie, Secretary of the International Treaty

@PlantTreaty 

#ItAllStartsWithTheSeed #biodiversity #Viticulture