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Ramon LASTRA, David E. WILLIAMS
IPGRI Office of the Americas, A.A. 6713, Cali, Colombia
Neti, Colombia
Networking in Latin America and the Caribbean
Since the late 1980s, IPGRI has been a driving force in advancing
the concept of networks which link the plant genetic resources
activities of national programmes, research institutes and other
institutions with common interests. Today, about 150 countries
worldwide are involved in some form of genetic resources networking.
The networks themselves have become a platform for sharing resources,
ideas, technologies and information. Networks have become an efficient
mechanism for enabling countries to share the responsibilities,
costs, and to promote the establishment of joint conservation
strategies based on common affinities. The grouping of countries
in the networks takes in consideration that crop genetic diversity
tends to distribute itself according to ecological and socioeconomic
parameters.
Partners: Network partners include national, regional and
international organizations, including public, private, and community-based.
Partners are selected based on criteria of need, expertise, and
complementarity. At present, national partners in the Americas
consist primarily of NARS and universities. The networks are further
strengthened by regional and international partners. IICA, the
Interamerican Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture, operating
under the aegis of the Organization of American States, and its
Cooperative Research Programs, or PROCIs, are key partners of
the networks, providing an essential political umbrella under
which IPGRI can work. CATIE, the Tropical Agronomic Center for
Research and Training, in Costa Rica, is a key partner in the
Mesoamg, in Costa Rica, is a key partner in the
Mesoamerican network. CARDI, the Caribbean Agricultural Research
and Development Institute, is a key player in the Anglophone Caribbean
and will be an important partner in the establishment of the Caribbean
network. International partners have so far been involved in the
networks to a lesser extent, but include CIRAD, CIAT, CIP, ISNAR
and FAO.
Priorities: Network priorities are defined by the members
countries themselves, although usually in consultation with IPGRI
and its partners. This approach enables IPGRI to assist countries
in resolving local problems from a 'bottom-up' perspective, ensuring
that the activities and results are appropriate and sustainable.
Cost effectiveness: By working through a partner-based
network structure, IPGRI staff time and financial resources are
optimized by sharing responsibilities with the partners. Laboratory
and field facilities are made indirectly available to IPGRI through
partner institutions. Cost effectiveness is also shared by the
network partners, who obtain a wider scope for their activities,
as well as access to information and resources that would otherwise
be difficult for them to obtain.
Impact: While the establishment and promotion of networking
in the Americas is admittedly a slow and deliberate process, the
impact of IPGRI's networking activities in the region is beginningIPGRI's networking activities in the region is beginning
to be felt. It has never been IPGRI's intention to assume a dominating
role in the networks. Instead, IPGRI's "background"
role of catalyst, building on national partner strengths and promoting
national partner participation in the networks is causing the
member countries to acquire a sense of responsibility and ownership
of the networks which is helping them to achieve increasing levels
of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. However, recognizing the
importance of the true partnership role of the national programs
for the functioning of the networks, the progress and success
of the networks is, to a large extent, determined by the strength
and capacities of the national programs. Given the present situation
of most of the national programs throughout the region, it must
be realistically accepted that the progress of the networks is
going to be a gradual process with long-term goals and results.
In the Americas, there are currently five Sub-Regional PGR Networks
that are in very different stages of development and, as might
be expected, each sub-region has its own distinct personality,
idiosyncrasies, strengths, and constraints. Consequently, from
IPGRI's standpoint, each network presents different challenges
and requires different approaches to facilitate their operation.
Also, depending upon the progress made by each network, IPGRI's
role within that network changes according trole within that network changes according to the situation and
the long-term objective of promoting ever-increasing levels of
self-sufficiency and self-reliance on the part of the member countries.
The five different networks supported by IPGRI are the following:
Mesoamerican Network of Plant Genetic Resources
The Mesoamerican Network, REMERFI, includes the Central American
republics plus Mexico. It is a well-defined ecogeographic and
cultural area, and includes the member countries in their entirety.
The principal partners in REMERFI, in addition to the member countries,
are IICA and CATIE. The major constraint facing the partners in
this network is the fact that the national PGR programs in all
countries are weak at best and, so far, the countries themselves
have been unable to contribute direct financial support to the
network. The priority crops identified by REMERFI are neotropical
fruits, spices, stimulants, roots and tubers, and forage and grain
legumes.
Beginning in 1991, IPGRI, together with IICA and CATIE, presented
the first draft of a document proposing the formation of REMERFI
to the countries. In 1992 a creation proposal was developed and
the 1st Annual Meeting of the network was held. In 1993, at the
2nd Annual Meeting, crop priorities were established, and IPGRI
developed ting, crop priorities were established, and IPGRI
developed a Coordination Project to be submitted to BMZ. Also
in 1993, IPGRI wrote, submitted to IDB, and obtained approval
for the Tropical Fruits project, the Sapotaceae portion of which
is to be implemented through REMERFI. In 1994 the Sapotaceae sub-project
began, with coordination provided by IPGRI. Also in 1994, the
REMERFI Coordination Project proposal was submitted to BMZ by
IICA. In 1995 the 3rd Annual Meeting of REMERFI was held, and
the Coordination Project was funded by BMZ . 1997 marked the formal
establishment of the network, an MOU was signed between IPGRI,
IICA and CATIE for the purposes of the Coordination Project. This
project will be implemented beginning in 1998.
Although the IDB Sapotaceae subproject was implemented through
the framework of REMERFI before its formal existence was even
ratified, the network had already begun to exist in the minds
of the partners. Country representatives started to feel a sense
of ownership of the network and to perceive the benefits of horizontal
cooperation, both between institutions within their country as
well as with neighboring countries. The implementation of the
BMZ project, including the recruitment of the international coordinator.
Once the BMZ project is underway, REMERFI will enter into a new,
more autonomous, self-sufficient and self-sustaining phase of
its existence. IPGRI will continue to support, promote, and advise
the REMERFI to support, promote, and advise
the REMERFI coordinator and country representatives, as well as
continue seeking additional projects and funding that foster the
conservation and sustainable use of PGR in Mesoamerica.
Andean Network of Plant Genetic Resources
The Andean Network, REDARFIT, is the next most successful of the
IPGRI-promoted PGR networks in the Americas. Similar to the Mesoamerican
situation, the REDARFIT member countries have, for the most part,
struggling national PGR programs and are unable to provide financial
resources to support the network. The priority crops identified
by REDARFIT are native Andean fruits, grains, roots and tubers.
REDARFIT was established in 1992 through a partnership between
IPGRI, IICA's collaborative research programme PROCIANDINO, and
the member countries. At REDARFIT's 1st Annual Meeting later that
same year, priority crops were identified, and IPGRI provided
an international coordinator, Daniel Debouck. In 1993, REDARFIT's
2nd Annual Meeting was held, and IPGRI's Tropical Fruits project
was approved by IDB, of which the Passiflora sub-project was to
be implemented through REDARFIT. The 3rd Annual REDARFIT Meeting
was held in 1994, in conjunction with a Venezuelan national PGR
congress at which over 50 institutions participated. Later that
year, at the annual PROCIANDINticipated. Later that
year, at the annual PROCIANDINO meeting, an International Coordinator
from the region was named, and the IPGRI representative became
the Associate Coordinator. Also in 1994, the IDB Passiflora sub-project
was initiated. The 4th Annual Meeting of REDARFIT took place at
CIAT in 1995, in conjunction with the annual meeting of TROPIGEN.
Chile and Argentina were accepted as REDARFIT members, and Mikkel
Grum replaced Daniel Debouck as the Associate Coordinator. The
5th Annual Meeting of REDARFIT was held in 1996 in Bolivia, in
conjunction with a Bolivian national PGR meeting whose purpose
was to lay the groundwork for the establishment of a Bolivian
national PGR programme. At this REDARFIT meeting, six network-originated
projects were discussed and lead countries were assigned to develop
full proposals by a fixed deadline. IPGRI discussed its plans
to produce a genebank directory of the Andean countries. Germplasm
documentation was identified as a priority need in the sub-region
and there was discussion of the possibility of collaborating with
IPGRI in the development of a large sub-regional Documentation
and Information project to be submitted for outside funding. The
6th annual meeting was held in LIMA as a joint meeting together
with TROPIGEN. In this meeting the priorities were revised by
the countries an identified the following crops as priorities
to the region: To attend this need several research projects were
identified several research projects were
identified and each country accept the responsibility to write
a proposal for funding the needed research and lead the implementation
of the programme.
Amazonian Network of Plant Genetic Resources
The Amazonian PGR network, TROPIGEN, includes most of the Andean
countries, as well as Brazil, Guyana and Suriname. TROPIGEN is
a collaborative project between IPGRI, IICA's collaborative research
programme PROCITROPICOS, and the national partners. The priority
crops identified by this network pertain to the genera Bactris,
Theobroma, Ananas, and Carica. The development and progress of
TROPIGEN has suffered from the fact that some of the member countries
are unable to devote financial resources to the network. The Amazonian
regions of most countries are very much neglected in terms of
national development priorities. The countries members of this
network varied greatly in the development of their plant genetic
resources. With the exceptions of Guyana and Suriname, the rest
of the countries have national PGR programmes, Most of the countries
are simultaneously members of one or more other PGR networks (REDARFIT,
CONOSUR) because the affinity of some crops.
Nevertheless, IPGRI has been actively attempting to promote this
network and implement PGR projects through TROPIGEN. TROPIork and implement PGR projects through TROPIGEN. TROPIGEN
was formed in 1993 by PROCITROPICOS and crop priorities were identified
at the 1st Annual Meeting in Colombia. The second annual meeting
was held at CIAT in 1995, and IPGRI representative, was named
Interim Coordinator. A pineapple project, prepared by IPGRI/CIRAD
staffs for implementation through TROPIGEN, was approved for funding
by the European Union. The implementation of the pineapple project
is an important milestone for TROPIGEN, and will be instrumental
in the network's establishment in the research programmes of its
national partners. The last meeting was celebrated in 1997 jointly
with REDARFIT countries, taken advantage of the fact that some
of the members countries are partners in both networks
Sub-Programme for Plant Genetic Resources of the Southern
Cone
The Sub-Programme for PGR of the Southern Cone is a network established
in 1993 by IICA's collaborative research programme PROCISUR, independently
of IPGRI. This is the only network in the region that is supported
entirely by funds contributed by the member countries, as part
of their annual contributions to PROCISUR. The countries of the
Southern Cone represent some of the wealthiest, most agriculturally
developed countries in Latin America. Although, by invitation,
IPGRI has been involved in the PROCISUR Sub-Prtion,
IPGRI has been involved in the PROCISUR Sub-Programme for PGR,
due to the sub-region's comparative self-sufficiency in PGR matters,
combined with a comparatively reduced level of native agrobiodiversity.
IPGRI has not afforded the Southern Cone countries the same degree
of priority as other more diverse and more needy sub-regions.
Some significant activities that IPGRI has had in these countries
has been support for consultancies to develop proposals for the
creation of national PGR programmes in Paraguay and Bolivia. This
two countries possess a tremendous amount of agrobiodiversity
being conserved on-farm and in the wild, but without national
programs to study, improve and protect this untapped genetic wealth.
IPGRI maintains close ties with Southern Cone scientists and will
continue to work with the PROCISUR Sub-Programme whenever collaborative
activities are identified or requested. IPGRI was also supportive
of educational activities in the area which included courses,
fellowship and scholarships to nationals of these countries to
attend meetings and workshops.
Caribbean Committee for the Management of Plant Genetic Resources
The Caribbean sub-region is comprised of over 16 small, independent
island nations and colonies that share a common geographic d nations and colonies that share a common geographic and
agrobiological heritage. At the same time they are divided by
water and a mosaic of linguistic and sociopolitical differences.
Moreover, the sub-region is characterized by countries with severe
economic and institutional limitations. Consequently, the sub-region
presents a unique series of challenges from the standpoint of
establishing and coordinating a PGR network.
Strong partners in the Caribbean such as USDA/TARS in Puerto Rico,
the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, regional organizations
such as CARDI, and international organizations such as IICA and
CIRAD, could all join forces through the network to resolve common
problems that most of the individual nations would have difficulty
confronting on their own. Towards this end, the Caribbean Committee
for the Management of Plant Genetic Resources, CMPGR, was established
in 1993, with IPGRI being one of the nine founding member institutions,
along with CARDI, CIRAD, IICA, and USDA. CMPGR currently has 22
member institutions, including international organizations. In
1994, IPGRI was awarded core member status, supported the network's
1st Programme Meeting in Puerto Rico, and sponsored a PGR seminar
in Trinidad and Tobago. In 1995, IPGRI sponsored and conducted
a workshop on field genebank management in Puerto Rico. In 1998
PROCICARIBE sponsored by IICA, and CARDI was established following
the same pattern as other PROCIS acollowing
the same pattern as other PROCIS active in the region. During
this event it was approved by the assembly the proposal supported
by IPGRI and the other partners to transform the CMPGR into a
full PGR network. This network will included all countries in
the Caribbean including mainland countries with closed cultural
and linguistic ties to the region like Belize, Guyana and Suriname.
Strengthening National Programmes
Aside from the importance the Americas Group places on networking,
we are also involved in other activities that strengthen national
programmes. In those countries that do not yet have established
national PGR programmes, such as Panama, Paraguay, and Bolivia,
IPGRI has taken a proactive role. To assist these countries in
defining their particular needs and objectives, IPGRI has provided
support for national meetings and expert consultants to develop
proposals for the establishment of practical and viable national
programmes.
As a strategic tool, we are convinced that networks are the most
effective means of implementing IPGRI's modus operandi and objectives
to achieve a long-term, sustainable, and multiplicative impact.
All of IPGRI's institutional objectives can be neatly and coherently
pursued within the holistic context of the networks, where the
direct beneficiaries of the activities are the target audience.
Because the networks are all-encompassing in terence.
Because the networks are all-encompassing in terms of PGR activities,
and because the objective is long-term self-sustainability, it
should not come as a surprise that network building is itself
a slow, deliberate process. The advances are at a pace that is
necessarily set, to a large extent, by the national partners that
constitute and own their network. Lessons learned from the establishment
and growth of the first networks are helping us improve the rate
at which the younger networks become established. IPGRI Regional
office for the America's looks forward to our continued involvement
with all 5 of the Americas networks as they become fully functional
and achieve a uniform state of maturity and self-reliance.
To maximize the effectiveness of all national efforts, IPGRI has
supported in the America the development of five ecoregional networks,
which include most countries in the region. Three of them are
the result of collaboration between IPGRI, IICA and other partners
including regional agricultural centers as CATIE, CARDI and national
institutions of the member countries. While PGR activities in
some countries are very sophisticated and include an extensive
national programme and modern genebank facilities, efforts in
other countries can be sevities, efforts in
other countries can be severely constrained by economic and human
resource limitations
Networks bring together countries which share common agro-ecologies
and crop species, and allow them to share goals, resources and
information. So far, the networks in Latin America have proven
to be an effective and economic means of addressing subregional
conservation challenges, making efficient use of scarce resources
and linking conservation with utilization. Network members share
germplasm and related data, jointly plan strategies for germplasm
collecting and conservation, and identify research priorities
on the basis of consensus.
REMERFI
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua,
Panama
REDARFIT
Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile
TROPIGEN
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela
PROCISUR
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
CMPGR
CARDI, CIRAD, IPGRI, IICA, INRA, UPR, TARS, USDA, UVI, UWI
(Currently has 22 members, including international institutions)
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