What is National Mechanism?

The Mechanism is a network of institutions which conserve and/or use plant genetic resources in Bangladesh.

The overall objective of the network is to share information related to plant genetic resources and, in particular, to the implementation of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) in Bangladesh. Specifically it is conceived as a tool for:

• Conserving the historical memory on PGRFA of Bangladesh;
• Assisting decision-making processes on PGRFA in the country, including the identification of needs, the establishment of priorities, and the allocation of resources;
• Building stronger partnerships in PGRFA management among national stakeholders;
• Increasing understanding about the status and dynamics of PGRFA; and,
• Meeting Bangladesh's reporting obligations in international fora, such as the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the International Treaty on PGRFA.

This Mechanism together with similar Mechanisms established in several countries around the world constitute the building blocks of a global network for PGRFA information exchange under the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

Through this Mechanism, participating institutions are given an opportunity to highlight their efforts, contribute to decision-making processes and to widen their visibility at national and international levels.

Based on the information available through this Mechanism, Bangladesh country report on the State of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture has been prepared. It will be submitted to the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture as the Bangladesh contribution to the preparation of the Second Report on the State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

How does it operate?

Who can participate into it and how?