Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)

Why in the News?

The 20th meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) is currently underway in Rome.

About Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)

The CGRFA is the only permanent intergovernmental body addressing all components of biodiversity-related to food and agriculture.
It was established in 1983 as the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
It operates under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
It aims to create international consensus on managing biodiversity in food systems and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from these genetic resources.
Membership: 179 countries (including India) and the European Union
Focus: Coordinates global efforts on biodiversity affecting agriculture, forestry, livestock, and aquatic species, including pollinators, soil organisms, and other vital species for food production.

Structure:
- Governed by a biennial session where member countries discuss and make decisions.
- A bureau, elected by member states, guides the Commission’s work.
- The CGRFA Secretariat, hosted by FAO, offers technical and logistical support.
Mandate:
- Policy Formulation: Develops global action plans, codes of conduct, and policy instruments for sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture.
- Global Assessments: Guides preparation of periodic assessments to monitor the status and trends of genetic resources and biodiversity.
- Sustainable Use of Biodiversity: Promotes biodiversity use for food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation.
- Fair and Equitable Benefit Sharing: Ensures fair distribution of benefits from genetic resources, especially plant materials under international treaties.

- International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA): Adopted in 2001, it recognizes farmers’ contributions to crop diversity and provides a global system for accessing plant genetic materials for breeders, farmers, and scientists.

[UPSC 2014] Consider the following international agreements:

1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

3. The World Heritage Convention

Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity?

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3