National strategies and challenges in the conservation of genetic resources Tore Skrøppa

National responsibility to follow up the CBD FAO commitments Conservation of genetic resources has a high priority in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food National responsibility to follow up the CBD FAO commitments Nordic cooperation A basic understanding of the importance of genetic resources for sustainable development in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, and a recognition of their value in breeding and contribution to food security

Early organisation 1970s: Nordic Gene Bank (1979) 1984: Nordic Gene Bank Farm Animals 1986: Committee on Farm Animal Genetic Resources 2001: Committee on Plant Genetic Resources Committee on Genetic Resources of Forest Trees Norwegian Genetic Resource Council

Present national organisation 2006: Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre Five persons employed – 4.5 man-year Budget: ca. 10 million NOK Divided in three parts: - Genetic Resource Centre - Genetic Resource Council and sector committees for animals, plants and trees - External projects (50 %)

National strategy Establish national action plans, overall and specific for each sector Inventory and characterisation of GR, assess trends and risks Conservation of GR, in situ and ex situ Sustainable use and development of GR; close contact with breeding organisations Establish and further develop national networks on GR

National strategy cont. Initiate research on GR, contact with research institutions Innovation based on GR Provide information and advice for administration and policy makers Promote international collaboration and be national representatives in international GR activities Information activities; increase knowledge on GR to different groups

Stakeholders or customer groups Administrators, policy makers and planners in the ministries and at the regional and local level Breeders and breeding companies/organisations Societies, associations, museums etc.., that take part in conservation activities Developers that could promote new uses of genetic resources Interested farmers Researchers and teachers in life or agricultural science Interested persons in the public International colleges and partners

Challenges National networks on GR must be continued and strengthened Better characterisation of GR More emphasis on in situ conservation; collaboration with nature management Genetic resources and climate change Genetic resources in the cultural landscape Legal matters related to GR; ownership, patenting, international law, relations to GMO

Thank you!