24/09/2013

“In today’s world, no country can stand alone and no country can manage its need for food security on its own. We really depend upon each other. Many countries are benefiting from barley and other crops from Ethiopia. In the same way, Ethiopia and other African countries are strongly dependent upon crops such as maize and sugarcane that originated from other continents. For our mutual benefit it is, therefore, necessary that we cooperate as good and equal partners in a way that builds trust to manage plant genetic resources in a sustainable manner.”

This was the message coming from the Ethiopian State Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Mr. Sileshi Getahun, who participated in the Fifth Session of the Governing Body of The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which took place in Muscat, Oman form 24 – 28 September 2013. Minister Getahun stressed that the interdependence of countries for food security is one of the major reasons Ethiopia is committed to implementing the International Treaty, and he referred to the leading role Ethiopia has played in this area for many years: “Ethiopia already has strong traditions in this field. For many years, we have been in the forefront with conserving valuable genetic material in farmers’ fields, and in community seed banks. Today, it is becoming very clear that climate change results in new challenges for food production. There is no doubt we have to step up our efforts to conserve and develop seeds that can provide a good basis for our food production in the coming years.  In doing so, we should recognize the importance of the traditional knowledge of local farmers.”

The Minister emphasized that the International Treaty is about both access and benefit- sharing. Ethiopia needs capacity building and cooperation with others in order to cope with challenges like climate change, but also in order to fully implement the International Treaty. He said: “We have to exchange genetic material with others; our doors are open for mutual benefits, but the need for long-term cooperation in this field should not be underestimated. Our objective is to build on our strong traditions and be a center of excellence in the region, but for this we need collaboration and support from outside. After years of projects, we have a lot of interesting experience to build upon. Now is the time to scale up efforts for more comprehensive and long-term programs with broader partnerships to achieve increased food security in the years ahead. Strengthening the fair and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms is also equally important.”