29/07/2024

The Kingdom of Bahrain has officially acceded to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), marking a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. The Government deposited the instrument of accession with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 17 April 2024, and the Treaty entered into force in Bahrain on 16 July 2024.

Following the approval of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives in February, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ratified and promulgated Law (2) of 2024, endorsing Bahrain’s accession to the ITPGRFA.  Following the promulgation of the law and its deposit with the FAO, the Government has the legal framework to implement the International Treaty at the national level.

With Bahrain’s accession, the total number of contracting parties to the ITPGRFA has reached 152, including one member organization, the European Union. This milestone underscores the global commitment to safeguarding plant genetic diversity, which is crucial for food security and sustainable agriculture.

Importance of PGRFA for Bahrain

With its unique climatic conditions, Bahrain relies heavily on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) to ensure food security and agricultural sustainability. Key crops of importance include date palms, which are integral to the country’s agricultural heritage and economy. At least 23 varieties of dates are grown, and the leaves, branches, buds, and flowers of the date palm are extensively used. The conservation and sustainable use of these genetic resources are vital for adapting to climate change and ensuring the resilience of Bahrain’s farming systems.

In recent years, Bahrain has adopted alternative crop production methods to address challenges like water scarcity and limited arable land. Horticulture has become a more cost-effective and sustainable form of agriculture, requiring less land and water. This approach has contributed to boosting food production and improving the agricultural situation in Bahrain.

The ITPGRFA facilitates the exchange of plant genetic materials and promotes the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. By joining the Treaty, Bahrain commits to the global effort to conserve plant genetic diversity and enhance food security.

About the ITPGRFA

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, also known as the Plant Treaty, aims to guarantee food security through the conservation, exchange, and sustainable use of the world’s plant genetic resources. It also ensures the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use, in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Bahrain joined the CBD in 1996 and its Nagoya Protocol of Access and Benefit-sharing in 2024.

For more information on the Contracting Parties to the International Treaty, please visit the related section of the FAO Plant Treaty website.

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