<strong>Contemporary</strong> <strong>approaches</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> <strong>conservation</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>use</strong> 4
I. INTRODUCTION Please find below some background information on the training programme on <strong>Contemporary</strong> <strong>approaches</strong> in <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> <strong>conservation</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>use</strong>. Focus of the training programme Biodiversity in agricultural systems is under pressure worldwide. The loss of <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> due <strong>to</strong> their declining <strong>use</strong> in modern agriculture has resulted in major concerns about the future vulnerability of agricultural production <strong>and</strong> related pest <strong>and</strong> disease risks <strong>and</strong> food security. Various international conventions have addressed this <strong>to</strong>pic; this has moved the <strong>conservation</strong> <strong>and</strong> sustainable <strong>use</strong> of <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> issue <strong>to</strong> the <strong>to</strong>p of the international development agenda. Aims <strong>and</strong> objectives The overall objective of the training programme is <strong>to</strong> enhance participants’ capabilities <strong>to</strong> more effectively manage their <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> management programmes, while activily involving stakeholders at all levels, using various strategies <strong>to</strong> support the sustainable <strong>use</strong> of <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong>. Training methods <strong>Contemporary</strong> <strong>approaches</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> <strong>conservation</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>use</strong> 5 The training programme provides the opportunity <strong>to</strong> learn from the broad range of international experience that is represented not only by our trainers, but also by fellow participants. Working in a job-oriented, interactive <strong>and</strong> experience-based setting, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge <strong>and</strong> experience through a variety of formats: lectures, case studies, group discussions <strong>and</strong> assignments <strong>and</strong> field study. The programme concludes with the development of action plans which integrate all course <strong>to</strong>pics <strong>and</strong> relate them <strong>to</strong> the reality of the participants’ working situations. Who can participate? The training programme is designed for mid-career professionals who aim <strong>to</strong> promote the <strong>conservation</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>use</strong> of <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> for agriculture from policy, research, education or development perspectives. They are employed in the field of <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> management, policies or related areas. Participants are employed by ministries, research institutes, universities, companies, NGOs or other organisations with an agricultural development orientation. Applicants have at least an MSc or the equivalent in training <strong>and</strong> experience, with at least three years of professional experience in a relevant field. Organization The course is organised by Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation, in collaboration with the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s (CGN, www.cgn.wur.nl). The course is coordinated by Marja Thijssen of CDI. Course <strong>to</strong>pics: practices, concepts <strong>and</strong> policies The first week of the programme will mainly focus on practices in <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> <strong>conservation</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>use</strong>; it also explores the <strong>use</strong> of participa<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>to</strong>ols in diversity analysis <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> support sustainable <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> <strong>use</strong> practices. Generally, presentations in the morning, including presentations of participants, are followed by case study assignments in the afternoon. In the field study during the second week, the participants get acquainted with the practices <strong>and</strong> strategies of <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> <strong>conservation</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>use</strong> in the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s. In the third week different concepts in relation <strong>to</strong> <strong>conservation</strong> <strong>and</strong> the <strong>use</strong> of <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> will be explored. Also <strong>genetic</strong> <strong>resources</strong> <strong>and</strong> seed policies will be discussed.