Bethlehem?Ketema
Plant genetic resources are deeply rooted in our culture and economy. Their wide diversity, still present in the country, needs to be preserved and wisely utilized. In fact, it represents an immense treasure for the development of our society, in particular sustainable agricultural development.
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IT-PGRFA) is a legally binding instrument with an objective of conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use, in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, for sustainable agriculture and food security.
As signatory to this Treaty, Ethiopia previously produced two country reports on the State of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).
The review of the first draft of the third country report on the state of PGRFA has taken place at Inter Continental Addis Hotel Friday, October 5/2012.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Mr. Sileshi Getahun, State Minister of Ministry of Agriculture said ?the diverse cultural practice and life style of local community are important factors for development and maintenance of genetic resources.?
Ethiopian farmers play significant role in conservation, sustainable utilization and diversification of crops. The Institute of biodiversity conservation, as focal point to the IT-PGRFA is responsible for following up implementation of the Treaty as well as undertaking conservation, sustainable use and sharing benefits arising from utilization of plant genetic resources according to the Treaty.
Mr. Abiyot Berhanu, on behalf of the Director General said, ?Ethiopia has enormous diversity of plant genetic resources, though it faces climate change and other threats. On this regard, collecting germplasm and conducting basic and advanced research to prevent genetic erosion has to be the priority.?
The in-situ conservation of cultivated and wild species from the forest ecosystems, including wild crops and fruits play an important role for rural people in terms of food security, both quantitatively and nutritionally. Hence, conservation and promoting sustainable utilization of genetic resources and associated indigenous knowledge is underway by IBC and stakeholders.
It is necessary to assist the on-farm management of traditional landraces, which bear adaptive characters essential for crop improvement programs, and complement it with an adequate ex-situ conservation strategy of these resources. Since the inception of the institute, IBC has conserved more than 72,000 accessions of various crop species comprising of more than 400 species in cold storage facilities and field gene banks.
The third country report evaluates the outcomes, challenges and possible scenarios of those activities undertaken by IBC and different institutions based on selected indicators.
The final report will be posted after approval by the FAO.
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Source: http://www.ibc.gov.et/2542
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