The 10th meeting of the Technical Committee on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was launched yesterday.
The four-day meeting is organised by the Ministry of Municipality's Agricultural Research Department, with the participation of official delegations, international and regional experts, besides representatives of a number of organisations specialised in this field.
In his opening remarks, Hamad Sakit al-Shammari, director of the Agricultural Research Department at the Ministry of Municipality, welcomed the participants, stressing the importance of the meeting in strengthening regional and international co-operation. He highlighted that conserving plant genetic resources and ensuring their sustainable use constitute a fundamental pillar for achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Aisha Dasmal al-Kuwari, head of the Biotechnology and Gene Bank Section, delivered a welcome speech in which she affirmed that the meeting represents an important milestone for exchanging expertise and enhancing joint work. She added that such gatherings are a valuable opportunity to unify efforts in addressing challenges related to the protection of plant genetic resources and to discuss best practices and joint initiatives for adapting to accelerating environmental and climate changes.
The meeting’s agenda includes a review of the main challenges facing the plant genetic resources sector, in addition to discussions on Articles (5) and (6) of the related international treaty. Participants stressed the importance of strengthening international and regional co-operation and supporting national programmes aimed at the sustainable use of genetic resources, as well as developing modern technologies in this field.
The Secretariat of International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture confirmed that the outcomes of this meeting will contribute to establishing a clear roadmap for enhancing joint efforts and embedding sustainability concepts in line with the priorities of food security and sustainable agricultural development in the region and the world. It also expressed its gratitude and appreciation to Qatar for its constructive efforts in hosting and organising this important technical meeting.
Holding this meeting in Doha reflects Qatar’s pioneering role in conserving plant genetic resources through the efforts of the Agricultural Research Department and the Biotechnology and Gene Bank Section at the Ministry of Municipality, strengthening the position of the Qatari Gene Bank as a key pillar in preserving plant genetic resources for food and agriculture at both the regional and international levels.
