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Wageningen University course announcement: "Contemporary Approaches to Genetic Resources Conservation and Use"


Wageningen, The Netherlands
October 2014

Modern production and marketing of agricultural crops depend on a limited number of genetically uniform varieties that deliver uniform food products. With this approach becoming global, genetic diversity is endangered. Worldwide, strategies are developed to conserve genetic resources. This course provides state-of-the-art insight into various plant genetic resources management strategies and relevant policies.

Organised by  Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation
Date  Mon 13 April 2015 until Fri 1 May 2015 

Plant genetic resources strategies and policies

Developing resource policies that have an impact

In many parts of the world a relatively small number of high-yielding uniform scientifically bred crop varieties have replaced the many farmers’ varieties that were a feature of earlier times. Various participatory programmes have been developed to support farmers in maintaining genetic diversity in their fields. Gene banks have been established to conserve genetic diversity, and to study and use the properties contained in their collections. In this area, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IT-PGRFA) stands out as the agreement with most relevance to the management of plant genetic resources. In addition, the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity significantly influences genetic resources exchange policies building on these components, this course is devoted to analysing plant genetic resources policies and their impact on conservation and use. It aims to support policymakers and other stakeholders in the implementation of IT-PGRFA in their own national context.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course you will:

  • understand current perspectives, concepts and strategies regarding the conservation and use of genetic resources;
  • be able to apply genetic resources management strategies which covers aspect of gene bank management and on-farm management;
  • be familiar with the history and contents of international agreements, in particular the CBD, IT-PGRFA, WTO-TRIPS and UPOV;
  • be able to implement the International Treaty and the Nagoya Protocol, including g the Treaty’s  Multilateral System , its Standard Material Transfer Agreement, the Funding Strategy and aspects of Farmers’ Rights.

Target audience

The programme is designed for mid-career professionals working in policy, research, education or development areas. Participants may be employed by ministries, research institutes, universities, companies, NGOs or other organisations involved in plant genetic resources management. Applicants should have at least an MSc or equivalent in training and experience. At least three years of professional experience in a relevant field is required, as well as proficiency in English.

Information on the organisers

The training course is organised in cooperation with the Centre for Genetic Resources of the Netherlands (CGN) of Wageningen UR. 

Learn more



More news from: Wageningen University & Research


Website: http://www.wur.nl

Published: October 6, 2014

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