PAPGREN

CePaCT works with Pacific Island countries and territories through the Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network (PAPGREN). PAPGREN aims to support national programmes in targeting the conservation, utilization, exchange and management of plant genetic resources. In 2017, PAPGREN members agreed to formalize and institutionalize this informal network with a more defined role and scope. Its functions will revolve around the following:

  • Coordinate and monitor CePaCT activities in-country.
  • Facilitate interaction and networking to promote plant genetic resources in country, with support from CePaCT, across all sectors.
  • Develop and promote evidence-based best practices and identify capacity building needs.
  • Enhance CePaCT (and PAPGREN) links with national, regional and global agencies, institutions and in-country organizations
  • Facilitate the flow and sharing of plant genetic resources related information.

The Pacific Seeds for Life (PS4L) programme was launched in 2018 with the key aim of strengthening seed systems in the region. The programme works to strengthen the utilization of CePaCT collections, as well as build and strengthen multi-sectoral partnerships and collaborations at the national level and connect national level activities to regional efforts. Recognizing at the PS4L launch in 2018 that PAPGREN needed to be strengthened, including the building of a governance mechanism, a PAPGREN charter has been drafted and is expected to be adopted in 2022.