Global Information System

Number of records: 233

126) Preparation of a biocultural identity map in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve for agro-tourism purposes

The Instituto de Investigaciones Fundamentales en Agricultura Tropical ‘Alejandro de Humboldt' (INIFAT), together with other governmental and non-governmental organizations, has engaged in the development of innovative mechanisms for the valorisation and certification of quality products with territorial identity in the Biosphere Reserves. Since this approach was new for the Cuban context, a preliminary methodology was elaborated based on lessons learned through a Diploma course in Territorial Development with Cultural Identity in Chiloé, Chile, in which a representative from Cuba participated in 2013. ‘Biocultural identity maps’ were then elaborated for the Biosphere Reserves ‘Sierra del Rosario’ and ‘Cuchillas del Toa’. This methodology allows to ‘draw’ the territory in its historical, cultural, economic and ecological dimensions, and on this basis to develop and implement a ‘basket’ of goods and services carrying the biocultural identity; local stakeholders take a leading role in identifying elements that should be included in the map and in establishing requirements for access to labels and seals. The final bulletin, accompanied by interviews with stakeholders, allows to visualize the activities that are carried out by each of them, and to guide tourists on their way to explore the products and services derived.

Category: 5.In-situ/on farm conservation and management of PGRFA, such as social and cultural measures, community biodiversity management and conservation sites

Type of measure/practice: Technical

127) Recognizing farmers’ contributions by registering traditional varieties in the National Register of Varieties of Cuba (II)

Between 2005 and 2007, the Instituto de Investigaciones Fundamentales en Agricultura Tropical ‘Alejandro de Humboldt’ (INIFAT) and several other organizations from Cuba were involved in a regional project ‘Adaptive management of seed systems and gene flow for sustainable agriculture and livelihood improvement in the humid tropics of Mexico, Cuba and Peru’, supported by Bioversity International and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Within the framework of this project, several traditional varieties were registered in the name of a farmer representing the locality, with the aim to recognize the work done by these farmers for the conservation of traditional varieties. The varieties registered include ‘Enano pinto’, a variety of Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), registered by a farmer from Yateras, Guantánamo Province, in 2006; and two varieties of chillies and peppers (Capsicum spp.), one called ‘Cachuchita’, registered by a farmer from La Munición, Guantánamo province, in 2007; and another one called ‘Angolano’, registered by a women farmer from Artemisa, Artemisa province, in 2007. The official registration of these varieties is a step forward on the way towards the protection of local PGRFA with potential for commercialization, based on recognition of the communities from where they originated.

Category: 1.Recognition of local and indigenous communities’, farmers’ contributions to conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, such as awards and recognition of custodian/guardian farmers

Type of measure/practice: Technical; Administrative

128) Right to save seed under the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA)

The U.S. Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) encourages the development of novel varieties of sexually and certain asexually reproduced plants and makes them available to the public, providing protection available to those who breed, develop, or discover them, and thereby promotes progress in agriculture in the public interest. The PVPA was first enacted in 1970; under this law, farmers have the right to save seed of a protected variety for use on their own land as long as no other agreements have been established between the breeder and farmer, which may restrict this.

Category: 10.Legal measures for the implementation of Farmers’ Rights, such as legislative measures related to PGRFA.

Type of measure/practice: Legal

129) Federal Seed Act

The Federal Seed Act (FSA) (7 U.S.C. 1551–1611) of 1939 is a truth-in-labelling law that ensures the accuracy of plant genetic resources used by farmers. Federal enforcement actions typically involve the assessment of a monetary penalty against seed companies that ship mislabelled seed in violation of the law. The FSA requires that seed shipped in interstate commerce be labelled with information that allows seed buyers to make informed choices. Seed labelling information and advertisements pertaining to the seed must be truthful. The FSA helps promote uniformity among state laws and fair competition within the seed trade.

Category: 10.Legal measures for the implementation of Farmers’ Rights, such as legislative measures related to PGRFA.

Type of measure/practice: Administrative; Legal

130) Recognition and Rewards to farmers and farmer-breeders under the PPV&FR Act, 2001

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) has been established by the Government of India under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FR Act), 2001. The Authority, under the provision of section 45 of PPV&FR Act, 2001 Rule 70 (2) (a), has instituted Recognition and Rewards from the ‘Gene Fund’, a national instrument for benefit-sharing. The objective of this provision is to recognize the efforts of farmers and farming communities engaged in the conservation of PGRFA so that such farmers and farming communities are encouraged to continue their activities and their genetic resources can be explored for further use, e.g. for contributions to food security. Recognition and rewards conferred annually under this provision include: (1) ‘Plant Genome Saviour Community Award’; (2) ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Reward’; and (3) ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Recognition’. All three consist of a cash sum paid, a citation and a memento. These awards have raised awareness amongst the farmers and their communities about the importance of conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA. They can also contribute to increasing demand for traditional varieties, resulting in additional opportunities for awardees to generate income or raise additional funds for conservation activities.