In any country, a well-trained cadre of staff is needed if activities on PGR are to be effectively undertaken. In many countries in the region, increased training has been given highest priority. Both the CBD (Article 12b) and the GPA (Priority activity 19) stress the importance of countries strengthening their capacity through training of staff through technical level training as well as advanced training in areas related to PGR and biodiversity.
While specific training on PGR and biodiversity sometimes offered, countries can often take advantage of training courses in related fields. For example, training in genetics, ethnobotany, economics, statistics and information sciences and computer application s can all improve human resource capabilities related to PGR.
Practical training in a country of local community groups and extension workers in areas related to PGR conservation and use is also important for increasing awareness for conserving and sustainably using biodiversity and PGR. Training courses related to PGR may be offered outside a country. Specific Short course Training for example is offered by IPGRI and several other organizations as Training Opportunities Database can be accessed for more information on a wide variety of training opportunities both inside and outside IPGRI.
At the post graduate level, Universities in several countries in Asia re now starting MSc courses in Plant Genetic Resources (MSPGR). The University of the Philippines Los Banos a new MSPGR programme in 1998. Students may be admitted twice a year to this MSPGR UPLB programme. An IPGRI-SEARCA Scholarship programme offers scholarships to deserving students.
In Malaysia, the University Kebangsaan Malaysia is now developing a new MS PGR programme with emphasis on both cultivated and non-cultivated biodiversity. In South Asia, a new MSPGR course began in New Delhi India, developed by the India Agricultural Research Institute and the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources. IPGRI has been providing technical support and advice to all 3 MSPGR programmes. IPGRI has also prepared a series of Training Modules available on the Internet.
More information
See Training and Education Announcements
FAO. 1998. The state of National Programmes, training needs and legislation. Pp. 197-232 in The State of the Worlds’ Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy.
Marshall, D.F. 1996. Molecular genetic techniques for plant genetic resources: Meeting training needs in developing countries, the Birmingham experience. Pp. 128-132 in IPGRI Workshop on Molecular Genetic Techniques for Plant Genetic Resources, 9-11 October, IPGRI, Rome, Italy. (Ayad, W.G., T. Hodgkin, Jaradat, A. and V. Ramanatha Rao, eds.). IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
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