CGRFA-20: Conserving Genetic Resources

Context

The 20th regular session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) was held in Rome from March 24–28, 2025. This intergovernmental body, established under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity for food and agriculture. The meeting focused on strategies to conserve plant and forest genetic resources, the role of genetic diversity in climate adaptation, and policies to strengthen global forest security.

Importance of Genetic Resources

Genetic resources are fundamental to food security, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. They include thousands of species and their genetic variability, which are critical for maintaining resilient ecosystems. However, the resources are threatened by climate change, destruction of ecosystems through human activities, and biological impediments such as pests and diseases. The CGRFA promotes the sustainable use of these resources toward food security, human well-being, and development.

Key Features

• Conservation Strategies: 
• • Plant Genetic Resources: Discussions focused on preserving crop diversity through seed banks, modern breeding techniques, and community-based initiatives. These efforts aim to safeguard agricultural biodiversity against climate change and other challenges.
  • Forest Genetic Resources: Sustainable forest management practices were emphasized to protect genetic diversity in forests. Strategies included combating habitat loss, illegal logging, and promoting climate adaptation measures.
• Role of Genetic Diversity in Climate Adaptation: The Commission highlighted how genetic diversity contributes to resilience against climate-induced challenges such as extreme weather events and pests. By integrating genetic resources into farming and forestry practices, countries can enhance their adaptive capacities.
• Strengthening Global Forest Security: Policies aimed at improving forest conservation were discussed. These included international collaborations to monitor forest biodiversity and funding mechanisms to support conservation initiatives.

Challenges Identified

Both reports underscored several challenges:

• Funding gaps for conservation projects.
• Weak policy frameworks in certain regions.
• Threats from deforestation, habitat loss, illegal logging, pests, diseases, and climate change.

Outcomes of CGRFA-20

• Policy Coordination: The Commission facilitated discussions among member countries to align policies for conserving genetic resources globally. It also monitored progress in implementing these policies.
• Capacity Building: Efforts were directed toward enhancing technical expertise in sustainable farming and forestry practices that integrate genetic resource conservation.
• International Collaboration: The session fostered international cooperation by sharing successful case studies and best practices across regions. It also encouraged countries to adopt innovative approaches such as modern breeding techniques.

Conclusion

The CGRFA-20 session reaffirmed the critical role of genetic resources in ensuring global food security and sustainable development. By addressing conservation gaps through coordinated policies, funding mechanisms, and innovative tools like the global information system for forest genetic resources, the Commission aims to mitigate threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.

Source: DTE

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), consider the following statements:

1. FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
2. The headquarters of FAO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
3. FAO releases the “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report annually.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Ans- B

Download as PDF