Webinar promotes AGRIS and AGROVOC in the Network of Academic Libraries of Latin America and the Caribbean

During a virtual seminar, the Food and Agriculture Organization's International System for  Agriculture Science and Technology Information (AGRIS) presented the AGRIS and AGROVOC systems to the members of the Network of Academic Libraries of Latin America and the Caribbean (BAALC) and the National Council for Library Affairs of Higher Education Institutions, A.C. (CONPAB-IES) with the purpose of increasing the visibility of academic research related to agricultural topics in the region.

At the event opening, Julio Calderón, FAO Policy Advisor in Mesoamerica, highlighted the importance of this initiative, particularly considering the current impact of climate change in the region. This is particularly notable due to the recent decline in the water level of the Panama Canal. He also underscored that the region is facing significant challenges, which necessitate a greater effort in sustainable resource management and knowledge exchange.

Imma Subirats, the Team Leader of Information Management and Knowledge Exchange at FAO, has expressed her concern about the limited dissemination of valuable information generated in the region. She also highlighted the potential of AGRIS and AGROVOC in maximizing the visibility and accessibility of scientific production in the field of agricultural sciences in the region.

The presentation was conducted by Ruth Gómez, AGRIS focal point in Latin America, who shared the fundamentals, functionalities, and potential of AGRIS and AGROVOC. She highlighted the collaborative spirit of these systems and the positive impact they have had on enhancing the visibility of agricultural research globally.

The participation of approximately 50 members of the BAALC Network in the webinar represents a significant step in promoting the visibility of agricultural research in Latin America and the Caribbean, thus facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge from the region with users worldwide.

These collaborations reinforce the FAO's mission to promote international cooperation and knowledge exchange for the transformation of more productive, sustainable, and resilient agri-food systems.