Second Global Plan of Action on Plant Genetic Resources: Regional consultations commence in Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya. On 7 May 2024, regional consultations on the review of the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture commenced in Nairobi, Kenya. FAO National Focal Points for Plant Genetic Resources and National Focal Points to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture from more than 40 countries from sub-Saharan Africa gathered in Nairobi Kenya at the premises of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) to consider priorities for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
The need to conserve and sustainably use the world’s plant genetic diversity is more critical than ever. It is the basis of food security. At the same time, this diversity is threatened, by global warming and climate change, dwindling land and water resources, and environmental degradation. The continuing loss of plant genetic diversity for food and agriculture greatly reduces the options of future generations, for adapting to these changes and ensuring food security, economic development, and world peace.
The regional consultations are held to review and revise the Second Global Plan of Action in response to findings of The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. A first draft of the Third Report was launched in July of last year on the occasion of the 19th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The periodical reports on the state of the world’s plant genetic resources and the rolling global plan of action prepared under the guidance of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture are also support the implementation of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
During the regional consultations, National Focal Points will review the Second Global Plan of Action the light of the gaps and needs identified by the Third Report. The Second Global Plan of Action, adopted by the FAO Council in 2011, lays out a series of agreed priority plans and actions for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
During the coming months, regional consultations on the review of the Second Global Plan of Action will also be held in all the other regions. The Commission on Genetic Resources will consider a revised global action plan at its 20th Regular Session in March 2025.