National Information Sharing Mechanism

Background Information

Plant genetic resources are the basis for the survival and well-being of human beings. Even today, after a long process of evolution in the plant species with the achievements of high yield and quality, we require these genetic resources to increase food supplies, agricultural production sustainably and meet the related challenges in the environment. It is our major concern to pay attention and play the main role in conserving, improving plant genetic resources in order to foster development and to reduce hunger and poverty of this country. This will require combining the best of traditional knowledge and modern technologies needed to identify, increase, and share fairly and equitably the benefits derived from the conservation and sustainable use of the resources.

Operation of the Mechanism and Participation of Stakeholders

To support our many years effort regarding conservation and sustainable utilization of the country’s plant genetic resources, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) made available to our country a financial and technical contribution in support for the establishment of the National Information Sharing Mechanism (NISM) on the implementation of the Global of Action (GPA) on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA). FAO is committed to carrying out the Global Plan of Action, under the guidance of the intergovernmental Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA), as part of the FAO Global System for the conservation and sustainable utilization of plant genetic resources. It is strongly accepted that, plant genetic resources for food and agriculture activities involve public and private institutions and companies, non-governmental organizations, communities and individuals from the conservation, environment, and development sectors. The integration of existing activities in the framework of a unified national programme with the National Information Sharing Mechanism provides the opportunity to enhance such diverse efforts within the country.

Benefits Being Part of the NISM

The establishment of National Information Sharing Mechanism in Ethiopia is important in enhancing world-wide information management and exchange on plant genetic resources for food and Agriculture. It integrates efforts of stakeholders in national genetic resources activities, thus ensuring a broader base for conservation and utilization. It facilitates to build strong linkages between stakeholders and international organizations to increase sharing of information and identifying opportunities for collaborative activities to realize national and world food security. Moreover, it is a key platform for information sharing, scientific exchange, technology transfer, research collaboration, and for the determination and sharing of responsibilities for such activities as collecting, conservation, distribution, evaluation, and genetic enhancement. The network can promote exchange of materials on the basis of mutually agreed terms and enhance the utilization of germplasm. It can serve to help set priorities for action, develop policy, and provide means whereby plant/crop-specific and national as well as regional and global views can be conveyed to various organizations and institutions.