WHAT ARE GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Most commonly, a GI consists of the name of the place of origin. The specific qualities involved are the result of local natural or human factors. GIs thus represent a collective asset linked to the local heritage and reputation. GIs are protected by intellectual property rights, in accordance with the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications.FAO’s ROLE
FAO’s work on GIs helps unleash their potential for sustainable development and sustainable food systems, in partnership with international organizations, countries, local authorities, communities and researchers.
NEWS
Since its first edition in 2007, InterGI has become the benchmark for professional training on Geographical Indications. The training events target professionals from all continents and from diverse backgrounds – producer organisations, food industry, public officers from Justice and technical Ministries in charge of GIs, NGO collaborators, consulting firms.
"MADD DE CASAMANCE" REGISTERED AS A GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION
On 25 June 2024, the "Madd de Casamance" fruit received its certificate of registration as a geographical indication, presented to the Senegalese government by the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). This makes the Madd the first Senegal's registered geographical indication. This registration marks a significant achievement for FAO, which has been supporting the process since the very beginning.
The "Madd de Casamance" is a wild fruit of the Saba liana, which grows in the forests of Casamance, Senegal's green lung. This fruit can be eaten on its own or, thanks to the expertise of its processors, as nectar, syrup or preserves (sweet, sweet-salty, sweet-salty-spicy). The local communities have a strong relationship with their territory and its products, and have a perfect knowledge of the ripening conditions of the fruit and the sustainable management of this resource. The Association for the Protection and Promotion of the Geographical Indication "Madd de Casamance” – APPIGMAC – counts over 900 members and consists of pickers/collectors and experienced processors.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
USING GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY
This brief, now available also in French, presents best practices and lessons learned drawn from the implementation of a comprehensive approach to GIs for over 10 years.
The policy guidance provided highlights the importance of endogenous interventions that put local producers at the centre of geographical indication processes, as well as the need for public institutions to play a key role in the implementation of geographical indication approaches.
DEVELOPING A ROADMAP TOWARDS INCREASED SUSTAINABILITY IN GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION SYSTEMS
This guide and the associated toolkit provide GI organizations with practical step-by-step guidance to develop and implement their own sustainability roadmaps, based on participatory processes.
Through these processes, GI organizations can strengthen their governance and legitimacy and become agents of change for increased sustainability.
PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH THE REGISTRATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS
This publication provides guidance for public authorities in examining requests for the registration of geographical indications.
The publication highlights the importance of public institutions to support the creation of enabling environments that contribute to the development of sustainable food systems through geographical indication approaches.
HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS
KEY FACTS
GIs IN THE WORLD:
Asia: 3 973
Africa: 205
Central/South America: 556
North America: 428
Europe: 4 016
Oceania: 138
World: 9 332
(oriGin)
PAST EVENTS
Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications: the Symposium brings together representatives of national administrations, producers and GI specialists. It provides a space for exchanging ideas and gathering technical insight, and on recent developments in the field.
Worldwide perspectives on Geographical Indications: the conference brought together over 200 researchers, public authorities, producers and international organizations from 47 countries. It focused on the role of GIs in the achievement of the UN SDGs through their positive impact on the economic, social and environmental levels of rural territories.
RELATED LINKS
- FAO-oriGIn Series of Webinars
- GIs and sustainable use of genetic resources
- Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)
- Origin labelling of food boosting local economies