A blog maintained by Tevita Kete, PGR Officer Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji Islands
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This weblog documents the activities of Pacific Agricultural Genetic Resources Network (PAPGREN), along with other information on plant genetic resources (PGR) in the Pacific. The myriad varieties found within cultivated plants are fundamental to the present and future productivity of agriculture. PAPGREN, which is coordinated by the Land Resources Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), helps Pacific countries and territories to conserve their crop genetic diversity sustainably, with technical assistance from the Bioversity International (BI) and support from NZAID and ACIAR. SPC also hosts the Centre of Pacific Crops and Trees (CEPaCT). The CEPaCT maintains regional in vitro collections of crops important to the Pacific and carries out research on tissue culture technology. The CEPaCT Adviser is Dr Mary Taylor (MaryT@spc.int), the CEPaCT Curator is Ms Valerie Tuia (ValerieT@spc.int).
PAPGREN coordination and support
PAPGREN partners Mr William Wigmore Mr Adelino S. Lorens Dr Lois Englberger Mr Apisai Ucuboi Dr Maurice Wong Mr Tianeti Beenna Ioane Mr Frederick Muller Mr Herman Francisco Ms Rosa Kambuou Ms Laisene Samuelu Mr Jimi Saelea Mr Tony Jansen Mr Finao Pole Mr Frazer Bule Lehi Other CROP agencies Pacific biodiversity Other Pacific organizations Pacific news Interested in GIS?
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Sunday, June 08, 2003 Posted 2:28 PM by Luigi
NZ Releases Biotech Strategy The following from Crop Biotech Update, a weekly summary of world developments in agri-biotech for developing countries, produced by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology, International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications SEAsiaCenter (ISAAA), and AgBiotechNet. New Zealand has released its Biotechnology Strategy, the country's framework for "reaping the benefits of biotechnology in a responsible and sustainable way." This strategy is about developing the biotechnology sector with care," says Minister of Research, Science and Technology Pete Hodgson. The Biotechnology Taskforce, set up under the Government's Growth and Innovation Framework, developed the strategy. The Taskforce highlighted important factors including a strong knowledge, skill and research base, investment and infrastructure focused on New Zealand's strengths and strong international research links. "Biotechnology is an industry in itself, but it is much more than that. It generates knowledge, skills and technology that can contribute in numerous ways to achieving our economic, social and environmental aspirations," says Hodgson. "Wrestling with the opportunities and challenges presented by a fast-moving and complex sector is not easy, but standing still is not an option. That's why the strategy calls for action in three areas - growth, community engagement and effective regulation." "Constructive community engagement and public confidence in effective regulation will underpin growth in biotechnology," Hodgson said. "This strategy represents a commitment by the Government to work with communities, researchers and industry so New Zealanders can benefit from developing and applying our world-class biological knowledge, skills and innovation." The report is available online here. |
Archive RSS Feed Alternative feed Contact Tevita
Something new: Agrobiodiversity Weblog: For discussions of conservation and sustainable use of the genetic resources of crops, livestock and their wild relatives.
PestNet: For on-line
information, advice and pest identification for the Pacific and beyond.
Contact: Grahame Jackson.
Pacific Mapper: For on-line
mapping of point data over satellite images of the Pacific provided by Google Maps.
DIVA-GIS: For free, easy-to-use
software for the spatial analysis of biodiversity data.
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