Colombia ratifies International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

On 23 October 2024, Colombia officially ratified the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), becoming the 153rd contracting party. The ratification underscores Colombia’s commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, critical for food security and agricultural development. This decision comes as Colombia also hosts CBD COP 16, demonstrating its alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Colombia’s Ministry of Agriculture, and key partners like the Alliance Bioversity and CIAT collaborated closely in making this significant step possible. By ratifying the treaty, Colombia embraces new responsibilities and opportunities to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts globally, especially in the context of food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

“This is a significant milestone not only for Colombia but for FAO and the entire global community,” said Kent Nnadozie, Secretary of the International Treaty.

Agustin Zimmermann, FAO Representative for Colombia, emphasized the country’s potential for leadership: “Colombia, with its rich biodiversity and experience in the management of plant genetic resources, can assume a leadership role in this area.”

Dr. Cargele Masso, Director of CGIAR’s Environmental Health and Biodiversity Impact Area Platform, hailed the move as a foundation for further collaboration, particularly in achieving CGIAR’s global target to preserve genetic diversity through well-managed gene banks at all levels.

Colombia’s ratification reinforces the international effort to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture. It also sends a strong signal to countries yet to join, encouraging greater international collaboration for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.