What
are Plant Genetic Resources?
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Think
of all the different types of dalo (taro) or breadfruit that you see in
gardens or markets. We refer to this diversity within agricultural crops
as plant genetic resources
(PGR). This diversity – much of it unique – has been developed by
farmers over generations and is a vital resource for the future
agricultural and economic development of the region. Unfortunately, it is
also coming under increasing threat, in the Pacific as around the world. |
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Why are Plant Genetic
Resources important?
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Varieties
of crops such a dalo are disappearing as a result of the ravages of pests
and diseases, natural catastrophes, and rapid socio-economic change,
including changes in diet and urban migration. Yet, this endangered
diversity is vitally important. Each variety has particular
characteristics, requirements, advantages and disadvantages. Some are
needed for traditional ceremonies.
The
long-term nutritional security, health, incomes and cultural identity of
communities in the region depend on conserving and making the most of
these differences. We need this diversity to overcome current production
problems and new ones as they arise in the future, and thus ensure the
sustainability of agriculture. |
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What
is a regional PGR network?
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Countries
around the world have recognized the importance of PGR, and most have
national programmes for their conservation and use, involving government
research institutes, universities, NGOs and the private sector. However,
this is not enough. International collaboration is also essential, because
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no
country can rely solely on the genetic resources available within its
borders, and
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the
diversity of crops extends beyond national boundaries and cannot
therefore be adequately conserved by any single country.
Regional
networks have emerged as important ways that national programmes can
collaborate to conserve and use PGR for agricultural development. Network
members agree to act in partnership so that all derive added benefits as
compared to working individually. Limited resources are thus not wasted in
unnecessary duplication of efforts and common problem are tackled
efficiently. |
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Why
a PGR network in the Pacific?
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PGR
networks have been instrumental in strengthening national programmes and
international collaboration in all regions of the world. There is an
especially strong rationale for a network in the Pacific. Conservation,
access and use of PGR are particularly problematic in this region because
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there
are many countries, which are usually made up of many small, isolated
islands,
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countries
generally have limited human and material resources, and
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the
genetic diversity present in each country is often unique, but
generally relatively limited.
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What
is PAPGREN?
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There
is therefore an urgent need to exchange knowledge, expertise and PGR
within the region, and with other regions.
Recognizing
this, Pacific Directors of Agriculture endorsed the formation of a PGR
regional network. The establishment of PAPGREN – the Pacific
Agricultural Genetic Resources Network – in 2001 is strong evidence of
the recognition by the Pacific countries that increased collaboration is
crucial, both within the region and with regional and international
initiatives and organizations, so that the maximum benefit can be gained
from the conservation and use of PGR.
Pacific
Agricultural PGR Action Plan |
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What
is PAPGREN doing?
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A
Regional PGR Action Plan was agreed by country representatives in late
2001. It includes the following priority activities:
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Develop
appropriate management strategies for agricultural PGR in the Pacific.
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Promote
the safe exchange of germplasm within and outside the region.
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Develop
and co-ordinate documentation of agricultural PGR.
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Enhance
awareness of the importance of PGR at the national and regional level.
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Assist
in the development of national and regional policies to promote
conservation and sustainable use of PGR with adequate sharing of
benefits.
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Who’s
involved in PAPGREN?
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All
countries in the region who are interested can become members of PAPGREN.
At the moment about 10 countries are active in the network. In addition,
PAPGREN will collaborate with regional organizations such as SPREP, ForSec
and USP, research institutions in New Zealand and Australia, regional and
international crop networks (TANSAO, SPYN, COGENT, INIBAP) and
international agricultural research centres.
PAPGREN
is being coordinated by the Agriculture Programme of SPC with the
technical assistance of the International Plant Genetic Resources
Institute and the financial support of NZAID and AusAID.
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