Doha Hosts Technical Committee Meeting On Plant Genetic Resources For Food And Agriculture

Doha, Qatar: The tenth meeting of the Ad Hoc Technical Committee on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ACSU-10) kicked off yesterday in Doha.

The event is organised by the Ministry of Municipality, represented by the Agricultural Research Department, and runs from September 8-11, with the participation of official delegations, international and regional experts, and representatives of specialized organisations.

In his opening remarks, Director of the Agricultural Research Department at the Ministry of Municipality Hamad Saket Al Shammari emphasized the importance of the meeting in strengthening regional and international cooperation, noting that the conservation of plant genetic resources and ensuring their sustainable use are fundamental pillars for achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development.

For her part, Head of the Genetic Resources Section at the Department, Aisha Dasmal Al Kuwari, noted that the meeting represents a significant platform for exchanging expertise and enhancing joint action.

She explained that these meetings represent an important opportunity to unify efforts to address the challenges associated with protecting plant genetic resources and to discuss best practices and initiatives for adapting to accelerating environmental and climate change. The meeting's agenda includes a review of key challenges facing the plant genetic resources sector, in addition to discussing Articles 5 and 6 of the relevant international treaty.

The participants emphasized the importance of strengthening international and regional cooperation, supporting national programs aimed at the rational use of genetic resources, and developing modern technologies in this field.

The Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture emphasized that the outcomes of this meeting will contribute to developing a clear roadmap for enhancing joint action and consolidating the concepts of sustainability, in line with the priorities of food security and sustainable agricultural development in the region and the world. The Secretariat expressed its thanks and appreciation to the State of Qatar for its efforts in hosting and organizing this important technical meeting.

Holding the meeting in Doha reflects the State of Qatar's pioneering role in the field of plant genetic resources conservation, through the efforts of the Agricultural Research Department, the Biotechnology Department, and the Gene Bank at the Ministry of Municipality.

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