Report of an International Training Workshop, Tsukuba International Convention Center, Japan, 23-25 October 2013 Ronnie Vernooy Enhancing capacities to understand and implement the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Enhancing capacities to understand and implement the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Report of an International Training Workshop, Tsukuba International Convention Center, Japan, 23–25 October 2013 Ronnie Vernooy Bioversity International is a world leading research-for-development non-profit organization, working towards a world in which smallholder farming communities in developing countries are thriving and sustainable. Bioversity’s purpose is to investigate the use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity in order to achieve better nutrition, improve smallholders’ livelihoods and enhance agricultural sustainability. Bioversity International works with a global range of partners to maximize impact, to develop capacity and to ensure that all stakeholders have an effective voice. Bioversity International is part of the CGIAR, which works to reduce hunger, poverty and environmental degradation in developing countries by generating and sharing relevant agricultural knowledge, technologies and policies. This research, focused on development, is conducted by a Consortium of 15 CGIAR centres working with hundreds of partners worldwide and supported by a multi-donor Fund. The research documented in this report contributes to the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions and Markets (http://www.pim.cgiar.org/). This programme is led by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), a member of the CGIAR. The National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS) is the largest basic life science research institute in the field of agriculture in Japan. Through the understanding of biological phenomena of various agricultural organisms, NIAS plans to develop functional organisms and ways to use them in our society. Japan Association for Techno-innovation in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (JATAFF) is a non- profit organization which was established in September 1990 in order to accelerate the techno- innovation in nation’s agro-industries as a whole. PGRFA is one of important issues. JATAFF Tsukuba Research Institute is well known for remarkable contributions to national and international projects on rice genomic research. The research documented in this report contributes to the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions and Markets (http://www.pim.cgiar.org/). This programme is led by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), a member of the CGIAR. Citation: Vernooy, Ronnie. 2014. Enhancing capacities to understand and implement the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: Report of an International Training Workshop, Tsukuba International Convention Center, Japan, 23–25 October 2013. Bioversity International, Rome, Italy. ISBN: 978-92-9043-983-7 Acknowledgements The workshop Enhancing capacities to understand and implement the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was co-sponsored by the National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Japan, the Japan Association for Techno-innovation in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (JATAFF), and Bioversity International. Inside photo, page 3: Michael Halewood; Cover photo and all other photos: Ronnie Vernooy. © Bioversity International 2014 Bioversity Headquarters Via dei Tre Denari 472/a 00057 Maccarese (Fiumicino) Rome, Italy Tel. (39-06) 61181 Fax (39-06) 61979661 bioversity@cgiar.org Acronyms used in this document ABS access and benefit sharing CARDI Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center CIP International Potato Center FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations IAARD Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute IRRI International Rice Research Institute ITPGRFA International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture JATAFF Japan Association for Techno-innovation in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries NBC National Biodiversity Center (Bhutan) NIAS National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (Japan) PGR plant genetic resources PGRFA plant genetic resources for food and agriculture SMTA Standard Material Transfer Agreement Contents Welcome, introduction of participants and workshop programme ....................................................... 1 History and rationale of the ITPGRFA and the multilateral system ........................................................ 3 Implementing the multilateral system: Core requirements and main steps .......................................... 4 The Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) .............................................................................. 4 Use of the multilateral system: Exercise 1 .............................................................................................. 5 Hypothetical case 1 ............................................................................................................................. 5 Hypothetical case 2 ............................................................................................................................. 5 Hypothetical case 3 ............................................................................................................................. 5 Hypothetical case 4 ............................................................................................................................. 5 Use of the multilateral system: Exercise 2 .............................................................................................. 6 Sharing of benefits and the Benefit Sharing Fund .................................................................................. 6 Protecting Farmers’ Rights ...................................................................................................................... 7 Group A – Policies: national seed policy; support to farmers’ seed production and commercialization ............................................................................................................................... 7 Group B – Research activities: varietal improvement ........................................................................ 7 Group C – Conservation activities: germplasm conservation through the establishment and support of community seed banks ..................................................................................................... 8 Group D – Extension service activities: technology transfer .............................................................. 8 Making use of the ITPGRFA and multilateral system: Examples from the field ..................................... 8 Raising awareness and capacity related to the ITPGRFA ........................................................................ 9 Workshop evaluation ............................................................................................................................ 10 Annex 1: List of participants ................................................................................................................. 12 Annex 2: Workshop programme ........................................................................................................... 16 Annex 3: Three core requirements of multilateral system implementation ........................................ 17 1 Welcome, introduction of participants and workshop programme From 23 to 25 October 2013, Bioversity International, Japan’s National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS) and the Japan Association for Techno-innovation in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (JATAFF) jointly sponsored a training course on the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in Tsukuba, Japan. The training course was requested by Asian national ITPGRFA focal points at a regional meeting of a Japanese Trust Fund project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok in May 2013. The training workshop was attended by 28 participants from 16 countries: Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam (see Annex 1 for the list of individual participants). It was facilitated by Michael Halewood and Ronnie Vernooy of Bioversity International, and Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Logistical support was provided by Duncan Vaughan of NIAS. The workshop programme can be found in Annex 2. Photo: R. Sackville Hamilton (left) and M. Halewood (right) As an introductory exercise, participants presented photos and brief descriptions of each country’s top-priority crops for food security (see photo and table on next page). Apart from rice, which has its center origin in South East Asia, all other important food-security crops currently used in Asia have their origin elsewhere in the world. For example, maize originated in Central America, wheat in the Middle East and potato in the Andean region. In the case of Peru, the country’s most important food security crops are largely native to the Andean region. This exercise served to highlight how interdependent countries are in terms of access to – and use – of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. It was also noted that most of the crops identified are also included in Annex 1 of the ITPGRFA – which lists crops covered under the ITPGRFA’s multilateral system of access and benefit sharing. 2 Photo: Overview of the priority crops presented Participant countries and each country’s priority crops for food security The session was concluded with a presentation of the expected workshop outcomes based on a survey of participants’ training needs and. Responses indicated that participants sought to: • explain the rationale and meaning of the core provisions of the ITPGRFA (including the use of its Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA); • identify options for national implementation of the multilateral system of access and benefit sharing (to fulfill the major requirements); • identify options for national protection of Farmers’ Rights; and • locate and share relevant resources for raising awareness and building capacity. Country Crops Bhutan Maize, Rice, Potato Apple (cash crop), Oranges (cash crop) Cambodia Cassava, Rice India Rice, Wheat Indonesia Maize, Rice, Soy bean Japan Rice, Soybean Lao People’s Democratic Republic Cassava, Maize, Rice Malaysia Breadfruit, Rice, Taro Mongolia Wheat Myanmar Rice, Sunflower Nepal Maize, Rice, Wheat Pakistan Wheat Peru Common bean, Maize, Potato, Sweet potato, other Andean roots and tubers Philippines Banana, Maize, Rice, Sweet potato Sri Lanka Rice Thailand Rice Vietnam Rice 3 History and rationale of the ITPGRFA and the multilateral system Michael Halewood gave a brief overview of the origin and evolution of the ITPGRFA, addressing four main issues: 1) Why do we need the International Treaty? 2) What does the ITPGRFA do? 3) What is the historical context of the Treaty’s development? 4) Back to the present: How do things stand now? He stressed that all countries are highly interdependent on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), as demonstrated by the evolution and movement of crops around the world, data on global ‘flows’ of PGRFA and the pedigrees of formally released cultivars. He also provided data illustrating the high degree of South and East Asian countries’ dependence on genetic resources from each other and from other parts of the world. Photo: From Michael Halewood’s presentation – an example of Japanese dependence on crops and foods that originated in other parts of the world The ITPGRFA, and the multilateral system in particular, were designed to provide a solid legal and administrative framework for countries to cooperate in conserving, using and sharing the benefits derived from PGRFA. Since the Treaty’s adoption, many positive developments and signs of positive impacts can be observed. For example as of the October 2013, the Treaty website contained information about PGRFA from 31 countries and 17 international organizations in the multilateral system. In the past five years, a funding strategy, rules for third-party beneficiaries and compliance measures have been adopted. In addition, two rounds of proposals for the Benefit Sharing Fund were completed and a third call is being prepared. It was noted that millions of samples of PGRFA have been transferred around the world using the SMTA since it was adopted in 2006. However, there are some challenges, which were discussed at 4 the Treaty’s Governing Body Meeting in Oman. These include the need to: (i) increase the flow of monetary benefits derived from the use of PGRFA to the international Benefit Sharing Fund; (ii) increase the amount of PGRFA included in the multilateral system; and (iii) encourage more active participation in the multilateral system by a wider range of users. The Treaty’s Governing Body created the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group to Enhance the Functioning of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing to consider options for addressing these issues over the next two years. Implementing the multilateral system: Core requirements and main steps Building on the previous session, Michael Halewood provided important background information concerning the multilateral system and presented eight steps countries need to follow to implement the system – highlighting the important interface between the multilateral system and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).1 To illustrate the eight steps required for implementing the multilateral system, Madan Bhatta, chief of Nepal’s genebank, presented the experience of Nepal in this regard. He emphasized that the implementation process follows a participatory, multi-stakeholder approach aimed at building a common understanding and broad support for Treaty implementation. Photo: Madan Bhatta presents the case of Nepal The Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton walked participants through the core elements of the multilateral system, explaining the legal basis of the SMTA and summarizing the rights and obligations of providers and recipients. He then provided a step-by-step explanation of what to do when someone sends you a request for materials. He concluded by demonstrating how to make use of the Easy SMTA.2 1 For more details, see Halewood, M. et al. 2013. Implementing ‘Mutually Supportive’ Access and Benefit Sharing Mechanisms under the Plant Treaty, Convention on Biological Diversity, and Nagoya Protocol. Law, Environment and Development Journal, 9/2 p. 68. Available at: http://www.lead- journal.org/content/13068.pdf. 2 The Easy SMTA can be found at: https://mls.planttreaty.org/itt (the test version is at: https://www.itworks.it/itt/). 5 Use of the multilateral system: Exercise 1 Participants worked in four small groups to identify the required steps for proper national use of the multilateral system, particularly with regard to countries’ ‘legal space’ and competent authority. In order to facilitate the discussions, each group was given one hypothetical case to work with; these scenarios led to lively interactions. Hypothetical case 1 You are a plant breeder working for a research institute that belongs to the national government of your country. From a colleague breeder on a different continent, you receive a request for a particular breeding line of rice that is in your possession. The breeding line in your hands is of recent date and still being improved by you at your station. Hypothetical case 2 You are the leader of a group of women farmers that runs a community seed bank of common beans. You have heard through an extension agent in your district that there is a large collection of common beans in the national genebank of a neighboring country. The farmers in your community seed bank want to try out at least ten of these bean accessions in their fields. You want to submit a request on behalf of your community seed bank. Hypothetical case 3 You are the ITPGRFA focal point of your country, in which groundnuts are an important crop. While attending a recent meeting of the Governing Body of the ITPGRFA, you were asked by a breeder from a private seed company based in one of the major groundnut-growing countries to send him some of your country’s best performing varieties for testing at the seed company’s research station. Hypothetical case 4 You are the national genebank director. Until now, you have not been able to acquire many accessions. Luckily, in a recent workshop with other genebank managers from around the world, you have been offered 100 new accessions by ten genebank director colleagues. You are very eager to obtain these accessions as quickly as possible. You want to submit requests to all ten of your colleague genebank managers. Photos: Small group work 6 Use of the multilateral system: Exercise 2 In this exercise, participants identified how each country can fulfill three core requirements for effective national level use of the multilateral system: (i) creation of ‘legal space’; (ii) identification of a competent authority who can consider material requests within the multilateral system; and (iii) identification and confirmation of PGRFA “under the management and control of the Contracting Party and in the public domain.” Each deliberated and then presented the results in plenary. The table In Annex 3 summarizes the results. Photos: Excursion to Mount Tsukuba Sharing of benefits and the Benefit Sharing Fund Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton discussed the Benefit Sharing Fund, emphasizing that it is just one of five modalities for sharing benefits under the Treaty.3 Full implementation of the Treaty must take all five modalities into account. He illustrated this using the CGIAR perspective on the Treaty, showing that the CGIAR centres’ mandate is to assist developing countries through all five mechanisms. On the topic of sharing monetary benefits of commercialization, he noted that 100 percent of the benefits stemming from the commercialization of CGIAR products in developing countries already goes to those countries. He also quoted several independent impact studies quantifying the monetary benefits to developing countries through CGIAR research in the billions of dollars every year. 3 The other four modalities are facilitating access to PGRFA, exchanging information, providing access to technology and building capacity. 7 Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton explained the justification behind the Benefit Sharing Fund in reference to the submergence tolerance gene found in an Indian variety of rice. He showed how the multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism works in contrast to the near impossibility of returning benefits to India based on this gene. Past and present rounds of benefit sharing were also summarized, showing that India is the only country to receive funds in both rounds and in both windows of the second round. The proposed third round was then introduced, and participants were encouraged to discuss it and be ready to submit proposals. Protecting Farmers’ Rights One of the most frequently requested topics for inclusion on the workshop agenda was Farmers’ Rights. Practical implementation of the Treaty’s provisions in this area remains a difficult task for many countries. The presentation by Ronnie Vernooy and exercise session focused on examples of the major Farmers’ Rights from around the world mentioned in the ITPGRFA. Four working groups came up with the following suggestions for action in the domains of policy, research, genebank management and extension: Group A – Policies: national seed policy; support to farmers’ seed production and commercialization Activities Outcome Farmers’ Rights Revision of the existing seed policy and action with the involvement of farmer representatives Recognition of farmers’ capacity to produce and sell farmer seeds Participation in national decision making concerning research and development Include in the revised policy/act a clause that will permit farmers to produce and sell farm-saved seeds and local farmer varieties Farmers are able to produce and sell farmer seeds Participation in benefit sharing Include in the revised policy/act a derogation of the distinctness, uniformity and stability requirement; quality assurance based on single-season experimental data based on adapted traits Farmers are able to produce and sell farmer seeds Participation in benefit sharing Group B – Research activities: varietal improvement Activities Outcome Farmers’ Rights Survey farmers’ needs Farmers’ needs addressed Protection of traditional knowledge Hand over the research design to farmers Participatory research management Participation in (local) decision making Conduct on-farm trials Diversification of farmers’ varieties Participation in benefit sharing Farmer-researcher-policy maker relationships are strengthened Participation in national decision making concerning research and development 8 Group C – Conservation activities: germplasm conservation through the establishment and support of community seed banks Activities Outcome Farmers’ Rights Documentation of traditional knowledge e-documentation of traditional knowledge and practices; ethno- botanical research results Protection of traditional knowledge related to PGRFA Participatory plant breeding Capacity building of farmers; improved farmer varieties Recognition of farmer knowledge; sharing in benefits of breeding Support to local seed systems and conservation practices Accessibility and availability of seeds of local varieties; recognition of farmer varieties and local systems of seed production Participation in national decision making Group D – Extension service activities: technology transfer Activities Task Outcome Farmers’ Rights Participatory plant breeding Facilitate knowledge exchange between breeders and farmers, for example, new breeding techniques, maintenance of inbred lines Improved varieties Participation in benefit sharing through capacity building; participation in decision making Conservation of PGR Strengthen local seed systems, for example, seed selection and storage; recording local knowledge Conservation of biodiversity Protection of traditional knowledge; participation in benefit sharing Sustainable use of PGR Value added product development; providing market information to farmers Market access Participation in benefit sharing Making use of the ITPGRFA and multilateral system: Examples from the field Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton began by considering the benefits that arise from exchanging PGRFA, using the story of the so-called ‘scuba rice’ as an example. A gene that confers submergence tolerance was discovered in a traditional Indian variety, and has been transferred into a number of mega-varieties in several countries, including India. The result is that these popular varieties are now able to yield normally even after floods that would previously have killed them. India has already enjoyed huge financial benefits from the new varieties – an economic benefit that directly resulted from allowing Indian germplasm to be studied and exploited by breeders outside India. This benefit is far greater than any foreseeable returns conceived under the Benefit Sharing Fund. He then used the interactions between IRRI and the countries involved in this meeting to demonstrate how the Treaty and its multilateral system are facilitating collaborative breeding to benefit those countries. For example, flows of rice between IRRI and participating countries – in both directions – involve many more exchanges between breeders than between genebanks. This is 9 essential for effective crop improvement: for every one transfer of a genebank accession, there must be many subsequent transfers of derived breeding materials, as collaborators embark on the long process of breeding and testing required to transform the traditional variety into marketable products. When developing national legislation to implement the Treaty, care should be taken not to disadvantage breeders by centralizing control. Michael Halewood then shared information about ‘Seeds for Needs’ projects that Bioversity International is supporting with partners in Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. In each country, teams of partners – including representatives from national agricultural research organizations, climate specialists, farmer and civil society organizations, and national genebanks – are combining high resolution data on climate change with data on crop suitability, geographic information, and genebank accession collection coordinates. The aim is to identify materials in ex situ collections that may be adapted to the climatic conditions in vulnerable reference sites. Often, these exercises lead to the identification of materials held in other countries’ collections. The project has simultaneously provided some partners with their first opportunities to request materials from other countries through the multilateral system, and for others to receive requests and to act as providers. Even though a number of the countries do not yet have national systems in place to implement the multilateral system, the fact that they have ratified the Treaty makes it easier for genebank managers to obtain permission to provide the requested materials. Ultimately, all participating countries are benefitting from access to germplasm that may be adapted to changing climatic challenges. Raising awareness and capacity related to the ITPGRFA Ronnie Vernooy gave an interactive presentation on organizing effective awareness-raising and training activities. Recognizing that there are no blueprints at hand, he emphasized that developing a sound plan is half the work. A good plan addresses the following questions: 1) Why? Defining expected results 2) For whom? Assessing interests and needs 3) Who? Identifying resource persons 4) When? Good timing is crucial 5) What? Developing a longer-term strategy 6) What resources are needed? Raising awareness can include the any of the following activities, each of which require different preparations: Introducing the ITPGRFA; Explaining the objectives and functioning of the ITPGRFA; Explaining the relevance of the ITPGRA; Giving examples of how the ITPGRFA works in practice and can bring benefits to users; Encouraging more in-depth learning about the ITPGRFA; and Giving instructions about obtaining more information. 10 Training can strengthen capacities in many areas; for each, an appropriate teaching plan is required. This may entail: (i) identifying which ITPGRFA elements affect different target groups such as farmers, researchers (including breeders) and policy makers; (ii) designing a framework for national implementation of the ITPGRFA, making use of the SMTA; (iii) harmonizing the ITPGRFA with national legislation on access and benefit sharing (ABS); (iv) explaining the objectives and functioning of the ITPGRFA; (iv) instructing interested individuals about how to obtain more information and contact resource persons; and (v) designing training curricula. He pointed participants to a number of useful resources (for more information, see Annex 3). Workshop evaluation At the end of the workshop, participants provided feedback on the training and were asked to respond to an evaluation questionnaire. The feedback they offered was very positive, highlighting the dynamic nature of the training approach, the sound expertise of the facilitators and the usefulness of workshop materials. The preparations and logistical support were also praised. Some participants remarked that three days were not enough time to cover all subjects in sufficient detail and recommended that future training workshops be spread over five days. Participants’ comments included the following: “It was a very useful training workshop. It enhanced understanding of the ITPGRFA and how to move forward.” “It was a well-organized training programme with no elements that can be considered superfluous. The number of days was insufficient considering the scope of the subject and the depth of knowledge to be imparted.” “The trainers were excellent, the schedule was fine and the venue and hospitality of the host nation were marvelous.” “The training methods, materials and teaching approaches that you offered are excellent.” “The training was very successful and a good learning experience. It will help me to convince different stakeholders why we need to implement the ITPGRFA in the country.” “It would be good to replicate the workshop in other regions of the FAO.” “I found the content of both theory and practice of the training very interesting. I learned a lot from my international colleagues.” The tables overleaf contain a summary of evaluation responses. 11 Achievement of workshop objectives (n=16)4 Workshop outcomes Low Medium High To be able to explain the rationale and meaning of the core provisions of the Treaty (including the use of the SMTA) 0 3 13 To be able to identify options for national level implementation of the MLS (in fulfillment of the major requirements) 0 2 14 To be able to identify options for national level implementation of Farmers’ Rights 0 5 11 To be able to find and use relevant sources and resources (for awareness raising and capacity building) 0 2 14 Achievement of personal learning objectives (n=16) Personal learning objective (as listed by participants, ranging from 1 to 4 objectives per person) Low Medium High 1st listed 0 6 10 2nd listed 0 5 11 3rd listed 0 6 7 4th listed 0 1 1 Quality of training (n=16) Features Low Medium High The training preparations prior to the workshop 0 4 12 The training programme (schedule of activities) 0 0 16 The training materials provided 0 1 15 The training venue 0 1 15 The plenary presentations and explanations 0 2 14 The exercises 0 1 15 The knowledge of the trainers 0 2 14 The overall teaching approach of the trainers 0 0 16 The capacity of the trainers to respond to your questions 0 1 15 4 The survey respondents were the ITPGFA country focal points/delegated workshop participants. 12 Annex 1: List of participants Bhutan Mr. Mani Prasad Nirola, Biodiversity Officer National Biodiversity Center, Ministry of Agriculture & Forests Serbithang, Thimphu Mobile: +975-17931130; Office: +975-02-351417/351218; Fax:+975-02-351219 Email: maniprasad52@gmail.com Cambodia Mr. Ty Channa, Deputy Director Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) P. O. Box 01, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel.: (855)12-816-581; (855)11-818-798; E-mail: Tchanna@cardi.org.kh Ms. Ouk Sothea, Chief of Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Unit Plant Breeding Division, Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) P. O. Box 01, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel.: (855)12-816-581; (855)11-818-798; E-mail: ouksothea@yahoo.com; ouksotheapb@gmail.com India Shri Avinash K. Srivastava, Addl. Secretary to the Government of India Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, India Tel.: 011-23383744; Fax: 011-23382977; Cell: 09711162377; Email: avinash.srivastava@nic.in Indonesia Dr. Sutoro, Head of Research Team in Genetic Resources Management Indonesia Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Research and Development Indonesian Agency for Agriculture Research and Development Ministry of Agriculture Jalan Tentara Pelajar 3A, Bogor, Indonesia Tel.: (622)518-33-3440; E-mail: storo8@gmail.com Ms. Seta R. Agustina, Asistant Deputy Director for Collaboration Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development Ministry of Agriculture JL. Ragunan No. 29, Jakarta, Indonesia Tel.: (62-21)7806202 Ext. 118; Fax: (62-21) 7800644; 78831114 E-mail: seta@litbang.deptan.go.id; agustina.seta@gmail.com Mr. Hakim Kurniawan, Researcher, Research Team in Genetic Resources Management Indonesia Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Research and Development Indonesian Agency for Agriculture Research and Development Ministry of Agriculture Jalan Tentara Pelajar 3A, Bogor, Indonesia Tel.: (622)518-33-3440; E-mail: haqimkur@yahoo.co.id 13 Japan Mr. Eji Domon, Genetic Resources Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences 2-1-2 Kannondai,Tsukuba, Ibaraki Japan 305-8602 Tel.: 81-298-388707; Fax: 81-298-387408; Email: domon@affrc.go.jp Lao People’s Democratic Republic Ms. Kanyavong Kongpanh, Deputy Director, Napok Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry P. O. Box 7170, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic Tel.: (856)21-770892: E-mail: kkongpanh@yahoo.com Ms. Khamtay Vongxaya, Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Vientiane Capiotal, Lao People’s Democratic Republic Tel. (856)30-526-0232: E-mail: khamtai.vsy@gmail.com Malaysia Ms. Erny Sabrina Mohd Noor, Research Officer, Strategic Resource Research Centre Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Headquarters 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Tel.: (603)8943-7280; E-mail: erny@mardi.gov.my Mr. Mohd. Nor Faizal Bin Ghazalli, Research Officer, Strategic Resource Research Centre Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Headquarters 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia Tel.: (603)8943-7285; E-mail: mnfaizal@mardi.gov.my Mongolia Mr. Noov Bayarsukh, General Director, Plant Science and Agriculture Research Institute Darkhan-Uul and National Coordinator for Plant Genetic Resources Ministry of Industry and Agriculture of Mongolia 13381 Zasglin gazrlin IX bair, Enkhtaivanli urgun chuluu 16a, Bayanzurkh duureg, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Tel.:+976-9901-4174; Fax: +976-7037-8826 ; Email: bayar67@yahoo.com; mofa@mofa.gov.mn Myanmar U Min Zar Ni Aung, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Horticulture, Yezin Agricultural University, MOAI, Myanmar E-mail: minzarniaung@gmail.com Ms. Chaw Su Su Htwe, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Horticulture, Yezin Agricultural University, MOAI, Myanmar E-mail: Chawsuhtw@gmail.com 14 Nepal Mr. Madan Raj Bhatta, Senior Scientist and Chief Genebank Nepal Agricultural Research Council National Agriculture Genetic Resources Center (Genebank) Kathmandu, Nepal Tel.: +977-1-5003331; Fax: +977-1-5003125; Email: madan_bhatta86@yahoo.com Pakistan Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Sajid, Director, Institute of Agri. Biotech & Genetic Resources National Agricultural Research Centre Park Road, Islamabad, Pakistan - 45500 Cell: +92 346 5049022; Office: +92 51 9255203; Fax: +92 51 9255034 Email: drmustafasajid@gmail.com Peru Manuel Sigüeñas Saavedra Ing. M.Sc., Subdirección de Recursos Genéticos y Biotecnología, Dirección de Investigación Agraria, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA) Av. La Molina 1981, La Molina, Lima, Perú Tel.: 51 1 3492600 Ext. 313; Fax: 51 1 3492600 Ext. 314; Email: msiguenas@inia.gob.pe Ms. Rita Carolina Giron Aguilar, Especialista en Recursos Geneticos INIA - E.E.A. Santa Ana - Huancayo Tel.: 064 – 244606: Cell: 968388377; RPM #0242570; Email: carolgi65@yahoo.com.ar Philippines Dr. Teresita Borromeo, Professor and Head of PGR Division, Crop Science Cluster College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB) Los Banos College, Laguna, Philippines E-mail: thborromeo@yahoo.com Ms. Soliat Sicat, Senior Agronomist, Head of Computer Unit, Bureau of Plant Industry 692 San Andreas Street Malate, Manila, Philippines 1004 Tel.: 63-2-3536976 ; Cell: 0927-275-4263 ; Fax: 63-2-521-7650 Email: letsicat@yahoo.com Mr. Jonathan Ceria Descalsota, University Researcher, Crop Science Cluster Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB) Los Banos, College, Laguna, Philippines Tel:. 049-576-0045; E-mail: jdescalsota@yahoo.com Sri Lanka Dr. Keerthi Hettiarachchi, Deputy Director, Plant Genetic Resources Center PO Box 59, Gannoruwa, Perideniya, Sri Lanka Tel.: 94812388012; Email: keerthihet@yahoo.com Ms. Ganga Tennekoon, Plant Genetic Resources Center Perideniya, Sri Lanka Email: tennekoong@yahoo.com 15 Thailand Ms. Tidakon Saenudom, Plant Varieties Protection Division, Department of Agriculture 50 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand Tel.: 662-940-7214; Fax: 662-561-4665; Email: thidakuns@hotmail.com Mr. Bordintorn Sonsupab, Plant Variety Protection Herbarium, Bangkok Thailand Email: bordintorn.bk@gmail.com Vietnam Ms. Hoang Thi Hue, Research Planning and International Cooperation Division Plant Resources Center (PRC), Vietnamese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) An Khanh, Hoai Duc, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel.: 844-336-54963; Email: huehoang77@yahoo.com Ms. Ha Minh Loan, Researcher, Plant Resources Center (PRC) Vietnamese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) An Khanh, Hoai Duc, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel.: 844-336-56608; E-mail: loanhm@gmail.com 16 Annex 2: Workshop programme Day 1: October 23 9:00-10:00 Welcome, introduction of participants, workshop programme (Ronnie Vernooy) 10:00-11:00 History and rationale of the ITPGRFA and the MLS (Michael Halewood) 11:00-11:30 Coffee/tea 11:30-12:30 Implementation of the MLS: core requirements and main steps (Michael Halewood and Madan Bhatta) 12:30-14:00 Lunch 14:00-15:00 The SMTA (Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton) 15:00-15:30 Coffee/tea 15:30-16:30 Use of the multilateral system: Exercise 1 (Michael Halewood and Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton) 16:30-17:00 Open time for questions and answers Day 2: October 24 9:00-10:30 Use of the multilateral system: Exercise 2 (Michael Halewood) 10:30-16:00 Excursion to Mount Tsukuba (lunch included) 16:00-17:00 The Benefit Sharing Fund (Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton) 17:30 -19:00 Buffer dinner offered by JATAFF Day 3: October 25 9:00-10:30 The implementation of Farmers’ Rights (Ronnie Vernooy) 10:30-11:00 Coffee/tea 11:00-12:30 Making use of the ITPGRFA/multilateral system: Examples from the field (Michael Halewood, Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton) 12:30-14:00 Lunch 14:00-15:30 Designing and organizing awareness raising and training about the ITPGRFA (Ronnie Vernooy) 15:30-16:00 Coffee/tea 16:00-17:00 Workshop evaluation and next steps (Ronnie Vernooy) 17 Annex 3: Three core requirements of multilateral system implementation Country Legal space Materials automatically included Competent authority Bhutan There is currently ‘legal space’ to implement the multilateral system in Bhutan. As the 2003 Biodiversity Act of Bhutan states: “plant and animal genetic resources access, which will be governed by Special Rules and Regulations or Conditions such as those established by multilateral systems for access and benefit- sharing, especially in the case of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, in accordance with the international law.” This is also clearly stipulated in the interim ABS policy of Bhutan, which states “Access to any PGR of the Annex. 1 shall be as per the International Law on the ITPGRFA”. In addition, there is an Executive Order signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Forests on 7 February 2013, which establishes that the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) is the focal agency for any transfer of biological resources. This supersedes the earlier order dated 22 August 2011 and signed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, which states that “The National Biodiversity Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests is designated as the National Focal Agency on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-sharing arising from their Utilization”. NBC is the national focal point for Nagoya Protocol and ITPGRFA, and the implementing agency for the CBD. Two series of consultations have taken place with stakeholders. Discussions have been held with farmers who are original owners of germplasm to clarify the status of some genebank materials; Crops in the genebank: rice, maize, millet, wheat, buckwheat, oilseeds, pulses that are under management and control, and in the public domain. After consultation, the Government of Bhutan will probably notify ITPGRFA Secretariat about these crops. The NBC’s Programme Director is the competent authority to sign the SMTA and is the authorized person responsible for the transferring materials using the SMTA. 18 Country Legal space Materials automatically included Competent authority Cambodia No law impedes this. Cambodia is already sharing materials outside the country using the SMTA. In the future, once the Nagoya Protocol legislation is being developed, there will be a need to ensure it does not take away legal space. All PGRFA in the country is included in the multilateral system. Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). India Legal space exists in the National Biodiversity Act to grant exemptions from the provisions of the Act for exchange of germplasm for scientific research. Draft access guidelines have been prepared. A list of 26,563 accessions belonging to 9 crops has been identified for designation under the multilateral system; notification under the Biological Diversity Act is in process. India is in the process of notification for exemption of 64 crops falling under the Treaty. The competent authority to consider requests for materials in the multilateral system is the Director of National Bureau of PGRFA in Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Indonesia Yes. 1. Regulation of Ministry of Agriculture on Conservation and Utilization of PGRFA (2011) – access Mainstreaming: Draft of law on genetic resources (Ministry of Environment) 2. Law on Ratification of ITPGRFA (2006) 3. Regulation of Ministry of Agriculture on MTA guidelines Material in national genebank. List of accessions (seed availability, characteristics) is being prepared. Material in CGIAR: -IRRI -CIMMYT -CIP -Secretariat of the Pacific Community Centralized: Ministry of Agriculture Focal point: IAARD Japan Japan does not have a law on ABS; Free access (now) to all PGRFA Materials in NIAS genebank; NIAS will provide PGRFA Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Lao People’s Democratic Republic Seeking permission from Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Rice germplasm under government control; List of sorghum accessions in preparation Permission from Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Agriculture, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute Mongolia Not yet formulated a specific legal act for ABS under the multilateral system, but a legal document is planned for government approval in 2014; Working group established to prepare the legal text Materials under government control will automatically be included in the multilateral system after joining the Treaty. Ministry of Industry and Agriculture 19 Country Legal space Materials automatically included Competent authority Malaysia PGRFA held by the following bodies are not automatically included in the multilateral system: state governments, public but non-governmental entities (universities, etc.), private entities, holders of intellectual property rights Annex 1 PGRFA of : rice, sweet potato, cassava, coconut, eggplant, banana, maize, tar, citrus, yam, vegetables such as cabbage, chili, radish, turnip, and other Brassicas 1. MARDI, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro- based Industry 2. National Herbarium of Malaysia, Forest Research Institute of Malaysia Myanmar Ministerial decree (Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation: Seed Bank Director); Working on development of ABS policy for all genetic resources 17,023 accessions, almost all Annex 1 crops; 3500 rice accessions sent to IRRI -470 rice accessions sent to global seed vault Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Director of Genebank Nepal The Interim Constitution, 2006, included high- level commitment to implement international treaties. Nepal Treaty Act, 1990, provided a framework to implement treaties, and regarded international treaties as superior law over domestic legislation; Seed Quality Control Center, Nepal Seed Board authorized to import/export seed as commodity; Agrobiodiversity Policy, 2007, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2002, and ABS (2002) draft policy are under revision and a separate law has been envisioned to implement the multilateral system and ITPGRFA. 1. Released crop varieties using multilateral system – 240; 2. Nepalese PGRFA in CGIAR Centres (Genesys) – 11,702 accessions; 3. PGRFA in national genebank – 9,000 accessions; 4. PGRFA in hands of different national commodity research programmes (rice, wheat, maize, grain legumes, oil seeds, etc.); 4. PGRFA in community seed banks – 1242; 5. Preparation of Nepal Annex 1 for discussion and submission to CBD and ITPGRFA focal points; 6. Inventory of crop wild relatives to be prepared for inclusion in the multilateral system National Genebank proposed, decision pending. Pakistan 1. Biosafety rules, 2005; 2. Environmental Act, 1997; 3. Authorization for Germplasm Exchange, 2013; 4. Designation of focal point of the ITPGRFA – notification exists; 5. Seed Draft; 6. Import permit issuance authority exists; 7. SMTA signing authority 1. National germplasm collection 2. Collections held by the CGIAR system – IRRI, CIMMYT, ICARDA Head of National Genebank of Pakistan along with focal person. 20 Country Legal space Materials automatically included Competent authority Peru 1. In 1996, the Andean Community adopted Decision 391: Common Regime on Access to Genetic Resources in Peru regulated by Supreme Decree No. 003-2009-MINAM. 2. The competent authorities for access to genetic resources are: The Vice Ministry of Fisheries of the Ministry of Production for aquatic genetic resources, the General Directorate of Forestry and Wild Fauna for wild genetic resources; The National Institute for Agricultural Innovation (INIA) for genetic resources contained in domesticated species, including plant genetic resources; 3. It is in the process of ratification of the Nagoya Protocol; 4. INIA is the competent authority for the implementation of the multilateral system, but the official designation of this mandate by the Peruvian Government is pending. Maize: National University La Molina; Sweet potato: National University of Cajamarca; Cassava, common beans and faba bean: INIA; Potato and sweet potato: held by CIP Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA; National Institute of Agricultural Innovation) Philippines Republic Act 9147 – Wildlife Act; Draft Executive Order of the Department of Agriculture – Domestic Framework to implement the ITPGRFA; Joint Administrative Order of Food and Drug Administration, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. Philippine collections at CGIAR centres; The Technical Support Working Group for the Implementation of the ITPGRFA established by the Department of Agriculture has yet to discuss and finalize the list. However the National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, the genebank at the University of the Philippines and the Philippine Rice Research Institute under the Department of Agriculture have distributed Annex 1 materials using the SMTA. All directors of bodies holding PGR 21 Country Legal space Materials automatically included Competent authority Sri Lanka ABS policy being drafted; Amendment to Seed Act may include contradictory clauses; Fauna and Flora Act; Plant Protection Act #35 – Quarantine Materials in the genebank – Annex 1 crops; Materials in national agricultural research centre – Annex 1 crops Ministry of Agriculture, Director General of Agriculture Thailand There is legal space based on CBD-ABS Not yet a contracting party; All PGR in Thailand belong to the country. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Vietnam Not yet a contracting party; Putting some provisions in the CBD (ABS) and Biodiversity Strategy to harmonize with ITPGRFA between Ministries of Environment and Agriculture National genebank; National universities; Research centres Director of Genebank; Head of agencies that are PGR holders. Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food secure future. © Bioversity International 2014 Bioversity Headquarters Via dei Tre Denari 472/a 00057 Maccarese, (Fiumicino) Rome, Italy www.bioversityinternational.org Tel. (39-06) 61181 Fax. (39-06) 61979661 Email: bioversity@cgiar.org ISBN 978-92-9043-983-7