Awareness

In any country, the understanding & awareness of the people about the importance of plant genetic resources to provide food, fuel, shelter & clothing & sustaining biodiversity is essential if these resources are to be used & conserved wisely for present & future generations. While those who have directly used and conserved plant genetic resources, such as rural communities, indigenous peoples and farmers in diversity-rich areas of a country, are often acutely aware of the importance of conserving and using plant genetic resources (PGR) for their very survival, many other groups may not be sufficiently aware of the vital importance of PGR. Increased public awareness about why plant genetic resources are important may be the first step for developing effective and sustained conservation and use activities in the country. Critical importance of public awareness of PGR conservation and use is recognized by CBD (Article 13) and by GPA (priority activity 20)

Public awareness products should be tailored to specific audiences. These could be at three levels:

• First, scientists' & policy-makers' awareness about PGR can be raised through displays, in-depth studies, analyses & reports to enable them to assess, develop & implement legislation, research & development activities that ensure that PGR are effectively used & conserved.
• Second, the introduction of interesting study topics on PGR education kits to school children as part of the school curricula activities can bring about greater awareness & appreciation of the importance & value of PGR throughout their lives, which they will pass on to their own children.
• Thirdly, a range of features in the public media including radio, television & newspapers can keep the general public informed about current events & issues such as genetic erosion, conservation & use of or sharing of the benefits of plant genetic resources, that may be occurring inside or outside the country.

A variety of organizations & groups may be active in promoting public awareness of PGR, including government, educational, non-government (NGOs) & private companies. Sometimes committees representing various organizations get together to promote public awareness in a country, for example the National Committee for Germplasm Conservation of Indonesia focuses its work on raising awareness among its people about the wealth of Indonesia’s biodiversity. International NGOs including IUCN, WWF have developed very effective public awareness products related to biodiversity and environmental protection. Other NGOs such as RAFI, GRAIN, GeneCampaign or SEARICE produce public awareness products related more specifically to plant genetic resources.

More information:

Initiative of Indonesian National Committee

Nepal Diversity Fair

Awareness Websites