Actions related to objective 4c.5

Full text of the objective 4c.5 "Promote sustainable use of genetic resources for food, and agriculture" from the National Strategy

Flanders:

• MINA-project 2 Risicobeheer: GGO's
• MR268 Zaadbomenbanken voor de inheemse boom- en struiksoorten opzetten: Hiermee kan prioritair in natuur- en bosgebieden en in beschermde landschappen (maar op langere termijn ook daarbuiten) gewerkt worden met autochtoon materiaal. Duurzame bescherming van de genenbron van autochtone bomen en struiken.
• MR271 Visie inzake geïntroduceerde soorten uitvoeren: Herbepotingsplan voor vissen met speciale aandacht voor de genetische aspecten in het kader van het soortherstelbeleid, zoals voor kopvoorn, beekforel, kwabaal. .

Walloon region:

Plant genetic resources: financial support is given to a research center, having more than 25 years experience in collecting fruit tree varieties, for the setting up of a multilocal network of conservation orchards.

• Several projects are conducted in order to promote sustainable use of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. As regards to in situ conservation, agro-environmental subsidies are available for breeders of local endangered breeds (2 horse breeds, 2 bovine breeds, 5 ovine breeds).
• Some projects are conducted to promote the sustainable use of specific local breeds, namely the Dual-purpose Belgian Blue (cattle), the Ardennais Roux (sheep) and the Ardennaise (poultry, CoqArd).
• Ex situ conservation, one proposal (not yet approved) aims at the initiation of a collaborative work with the touristical sector, to improve public awareness relative to local breeds, and a project is conducted, having as objective some preliminary studies for the setting up of a cryobank. .
• Domestic Biodiversity Platform created for AnGR (first meeting in March 2007). This platform should be, first of all, a scientific reference for every projects concerning information, conservation, research and development regarding our regional local breeds.
• D'autres actions sont menées en région wallonne pour préserver ou re développer les ressources génétiques : la culture de l'épeautre et de l'orge brassicole, ou encore la promotion des anciennes variétés d'arbres fruitiers.
• Future activities: we hope that the recent adoption of the Global Plan of Action for AnGR and of the Interlaken Declaration will allow us to strengthen these actions and to give them a better rooting.

Future actions:

• Actions for collecting, evaluating and conserving old landraces and cultivars;
• Characterise and use of the potential of agricultural biodiversity in a sustainable way;
• Coordinate actions at Belgian level (including regional level) for a better, safe conservation strategy for the genetic diversity that is essential for food and agriculture;
• Improve the development of adequate gene banks;
• Increase consumers awareness;
• Develop of a specific national strategy focusing on the management of agricultural biodiversity for coordinating the diverse actions already going on and to promote new ones;
• The importance of biodiversity for food and nutrition should be taken more into account by public health and food chain safety policies and their scientific bodies.
• Increase research support in agricultural methods that make sustainable use of biodiversity (organic agriculture, agro-forestry, ... )