natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
In calling seeds “the vehicles of life”, Dr Jacques Diouf, Director General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, pointed out that current global population trends indicate that the world will have 9 billion inhabitants by 2050, 3 billion more than today.
In calling seeds “the vehicles of life”, Dr Jacques Diouf, Director General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, pointed out that current global population trends indicate that the world will have 9 billion inhabitants by 2050, 3 billion more than today.
He also noted that cereal production will have to increase by 50 percent in the next 25 years to keep up with demand.
He also noted that cereal production will have to increase by 50 percent in the next 25 years to keep up with demand.
Calling the Seed Vault “one of the most innovative and impressive acts in the service of humanity,” Dr. Diouf said that the seeds that will be housed in the Seed Vault will be essential for increasing crop productivity, mitigating environmental stress such as climate change, pests and diseases, and ensuring a genetic resource base for the future.
Calling the Seed Vault “one of the most innovative and impressive acts in the service of humanity,” Dr. Diouf said that the seeds that will be housed in the Seed Vault will be essential for increasing crop productivity, mitigating environmental stress such as climate change, pests and diseases, and ensuring a genetic resource base for the future.
Dr. Diouf also recognized that the way to the Seed Vault’s establishment had been paved by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Dr. Diouf also recognized that the way to the Seed Vault’s establishment had been paved by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
The International Treaty, already ratified by 116 countries, has ensured conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources with fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
The International Treaty, already ratified by 116 countries, has ensured conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources with fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
“We may live in a world divided by inequalities, but we all share a common future,” he said.
“We may live in a world divided by inequalities but we all share a common future,” he said.
“No country is self sufficient in natural resources and all are ecologically interdependent.
“No country is self sufficient in natural resources and all are ecologically interdependent.
Wealth safeguarded in Svalbard will be global insurance to solve future challenges.
Wealth safeguarded in Svalbard will be global insurance to solve future challenges.
Today, I urge countries to join the effort to securing world’s crop diversity now and in the future.”
Today, I urge countries to join the effort to securing world’s crop diversity now and in the future.”
Safe harbour in a perfect storm - the story of the Vault in the context of threats facing agriculture
Safe harbour in a perfect storm - the story of the Vault in the context of threats facing agriculture
Dr Cary Fowler, Executive Director, Global Crop Diversity Trust “Death of a thousand cuts” Dr. Cary Fowler, head of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, the organization entrusted with securing the funds to endow the world's crop gene banks as well as overseeing the maintenance of the Seed Vault, is also referred to as the visionary whose lead position on the original feasibility study led to the construction of the Seed Vault.
Dr Cary Fowler, Executive Director, Global Crop Diversity Trust “Death of a thousand cuts” Dr. Cary Fowler, head of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, the organization entrusted with securing the funds to endow the worlds crop gene banks as well as overseeing the maintenance of the Seed Vault, is also referred to as the visionary whose lead position on the original feasibility study led to the construction of the Seed Vault.
In addressing the Conference, Dr. Fowler referred to the current world situation in terms of viability for feeding future generations as “the perfect storm of challenges,” ranging from climate change, declines in energy and water availability, development pressures and a burgeoning population.
In addressing the Conference, Dr. Fowler referred to the current world situation in terms of viability for feeding future generations as “the perfect storm of challenges,” ranging from climate change, declines in energy and water availability, development pressures and a burgeoning population.
"Diversity is threatened by climate change.
"Diversity is threatened by climate change.
On the other hand we're going to have to be making some major changes in the nature of the crops we have in the fields, which is going to require diversity.
On the other hand we're going to have to be making some major changes in the nature of the crops we have in the fields, which is going to require diversity.
If ever there was a moment in history when conserving this diversity was worthwhile and yielded a great cost-benefit ratio, it would be now," he said.
If ever there was a moment in history when conserving this diversity was worthwhile and yielded a great cost benefit ratio, it would be now," he said.
In referring to the threat to the viability of seed collections currently held in gene banks as well as to diversity of crops growing in the field, he called it “more than an apocalypse.”
In referring to the threat to the viability of seed collections currently held in gene banks as well as to diversity of crops growing in the field, he called it “more than an apocalypse.”
“It is death of a thousand cuts.
“It is death of a thousand cuts.
We loose diversity every day - which is a benign way of saying it is becoming extinct.
We loose diversity every day - which is a benign way of saying it is becoming extinct.
We are dependent,” he said pointing to a chart showing the percentage of crop samples currently held in gene banks, huge collections that represent only a small portion of the total.
We are dependent,” he said pointing to a chart showing the percentage of crop samples currently held in gene banks, huge collections that represent only a small portion of the total.
“We are all in the same boat and if we don’t learn to share and cooperate, that will be a sinking boat.”
“We are all in the same boat and if we don’t learn to share and cooperate, that will be a sinking boat.”
Plant genetic resources conservation from a farmer’s point of view
Plant genetic resources conservation from a farmer’s point of view
Tatay Gipo, Filipino rice farmer “From the 25 kilos, I harvest 132 sacks of rice” When Tatay Gipo introduced himself to the conference participants by showing photos from his family album, it was the perfect illustration of how individual farmers have potential to help the world’s agricultural production.
Tatay Gipo, Filipino rice farmer “From the 25 kilos, I harvest 132 sacks of rice” When Tatay Gipo introduced himself to the conference participants by showing photos from his family album, it was the perfect illustration of how individual farmers have potential to help the world’s agricultural production.
When he began farming in 1957, he used traditional varieties and used pesticides to kill the pests that attacked the crops.
When he began farming in 1957, he used traditional varieties and used pesticides to kill the pests that attacked the crops.
In 1966 he built his own farm and in 1967, the first varieties arrived from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) along with fertilizers and pesticides.
In 1966 he built his own farm and in 1967, the first varieties arrived from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) along with fertilizers and pesticides.
But still, diseases appeared in the field.
But still, diseases appeared in the field.
In 1985, he adopted a high-yielding variety of rice that had been developed by IRRI.
In 1985, he adopted a high-yielding variety of rice that had been developed by IRRI.
Yet, that variety was also attacked by pests.
Yet, that variety also was attacked by pests.
However, he observed that one plant in his field was not attacked by the virus.
However, he observed that one plant in his field was not attacked by the virus.
It was a different color and had a different stand, so he saved it.
It was a different color and had a different stand, so he saved it.
“The next cropping season,” he said, “I planted it.
“The next cropping season,” he said, “I planted it.
During the harvest, I could not believe I could harvest 25 kilos from the seeds that I had saved.
During the harvest, I could not believe I could harvest 25 kilos from the seeds that I had saved.
I repeated it the next season.
I repeated it the next season.
From the 25 kilos, I harvest 132 sacks of rice.”
From the 25 kilos, I harvest 132 sacks of rice.”
He then set about learning about crop breeding and crop technologies.
He then set about learning about crop breeding and crop technologies.
The NGO SEARICE, Philippines, has provided him with training and from the original variety discovered, he has made more than 10 crosses and is maintaining 15 lines from a cross he made between bordagol and basmati rice.
The NGO SEARICE, Philippines, has provided him with training and from the original variety discovered, he has made more than 10 crosses and is maintaining 15 lines from a cross he made between bordagol and basmati rice.
The role of crop diversity for food security
The role of crop diversity for food security
Maria Mayer de Scurrah, President Grupo Yanapai “Food security comes from variety” Speaking on behalf of Peruvian potato farmers, Maria Mayer de Scurrah, president of Grupo Yanapai of Lima, offered impressive numbers.
Maria Mayer de Scurrah, President Grupo Yanapai “Food security comes from variety” Speaking on behalf of Peruvian potato farmers, Maria Mayer de Scurrah, president of Grupo Yanapai of Lima, offered impressive numbers.
Peru has nine species of potatoes, the average farming family farms eight varieties and the average community has 122 varieties.
Peru has nine species of potatoes, the average farming family farms eight varieties and the average community has 122 varieties.
“In the world,” she said, “you know ‘potato’, but in Peru, we grow ‘potatoes’.
“In the world,” she said, “you know ‘potato’, but in Peru, we grow ‘potatoes’.
We know that food security comes from varieties.
We know that food security comes from varieties.
Everyone shares.”
Everyone shares.”
Grupa Yanapai is an NGO working on research and development of small-scale farming, especially on conservation of plant genetic resources and development of low input technology.
Grupa Yanapai is an NGO working on research and development of small-scale farming, especially on conservation of plant genetic resources and development of low input technology.
Her work has included research in areas once inhabited by Incan population where she found a very important native variety was growing but also two wild species.
Her work has included research in areas once inhabited by Incan population where she found a very important native variety was growing but also two wild species.
“The question is whether the wild species are still interacting with our crops.”
“The question is whether the wild species are still interacting with our crops.”
The farmers used to farm with huge community fields in which the individual farmers moved in rotation, taking their own varieties with them.
The farmers used to farm with huge community fields in which the individual farmers moved in rotation, taking their own varieties with them.
This was a good defense against disease because the plantings changed each year.
This was a good defense against disease because the plantings changed each year.
Now, they have moved to family plots which means they now must deal more with diseases.
Now, they have moved to family plots which means they now must deal more with diseases.
Arctic climate change and global consequences
Arctic climate change and global consequences
Pål Prestrud, Director CICERO “Warming in the Arctic is at twice the rate of the global average” The Arctic zone is experiencing some of the most rapid and severe climate change on earth, according to Pål Prestrud, Director of the Norwegian Climate Change Center (CICERO).
Pål Prestrud, Director CICERO “Warming in the Arctic is at twice the rate of the global average” The Arctic zone is experiencing some of the most rapid and severe climate change on earth, according to Pål Prestrud, Director of the Norwegian Climate Change Center (CICERO).
“The warming in the Arctic is twice the rate of the global average,” he said.
“The warming in the Arctic is at twice the rate of the global average,” he said.
The reason for the faster increase is because snow and ice reflect solar radiation while open water captures it.
The reason for the faster increase is because snow and ice reflect solar radiation while open water captures it.
Thus, as temperatures increase and snow and ice melts, there is more water, meaning more radiation is captured.
Thus, as temperatures increase and snow and ice melts, there is more water, meaning more radiation is captured.
In addition, as the sea ice melts, the water below it warms up and decreases the amount of freezing for the following year.
In addition, as the sea ice melts, the water below it warms up and decreases the amount of freezing for the following year.
This scenario has meant that the reduction of the snow cover is moving much faster than predicted, with an 8-9 percent reduction in the last 50 years.
This scenario has meant that the reduction of the snow cover is moving much faster than predicted, with an 8-9 percent reduction in the last 50 years.
In addition he points to changes such as spring arriving 2-3 weeks earlier in the Arctic, Alaska’s growing increasing by one and a half months, and the melting glaciers in Svalbard that have potential to increase sea level by 6-7 meters.
In addition he points to changes such as spring arriving 2-3 weeks earlier in the Arctic, Alaska’s growing increasing by one and a half months, and the melting glaciers in Svalbard that have potential to increase sea level by 6-7 meters.
He said this will have both global and local consequences.
He said this will have both global and local consequences.
“Globally,” he explained, the huge amounts of carbon stored in the permafrost will be released.
“Globally,” he explained, the huge amounts of carbon stored in the permafrost will be released.
There is more carbon stored in organic material and methane hydrates in the permafrost than is found in the atmosphere.
There is more carbon stored in organic material and methane hydrates in the permafrost than is found in the atmosphere.
Cold water absorbs more CO2 than warm water, so as the water warms up, less CO2 will be captured.”
Cold water absorbs more CO2 than warm water, so as the water warms up, less CO2 will be captured.”
Locally, people will face enormous challenges.
Locally, people will face enormous challenges.
“Although the warmer temperatures may mean more opportunities for agriculture, it will affect biodiversity.
“Although the warmer temperatures may mean more opportunity for agriculture, it will affect the biodiversity.
We have a community of animals and plants connected to the ice.”
We have a community of animals and plants connected to the ice.”
In addition, there will be more accessibility for exploitation of mineral resources which will impact land values.
In addition, there will be more accessibility for exploitation of mineral resources which will impact land values.
In addition, in just a few years, it will be possible to travel between North America and Europe via the Arctic Circle.
In addition, in just a few years, it will be possible to go between North America and Europe via the Arctic Circle.
This will have enormous political ramifications.
This will have enormous political ramifications.
Future challenges regarding plant genetic resources and the role of the global seed vault
Future challenges regarding plant genetic resources and the role of the global seed vault
Patrick Mooney, Executive Director ETC group “We need seeds in the vault” In praising Norway for its contribution of the Global Seed Vault and its commitment to contribute to the benefit-sharing fund of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Patrick Mooney, Executive Director of ETC group also warned that “we are not there yet.”
Patrick Mooney, Executive Director ETC group “We need seeds in the vault” In praising Norway for its contribution of the Global Seed Vault and its commitment to contribute to the benefit-sharing fund of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Patrick Mooney, Executive Director of ETC group also warned that “we are not there yet.”
Referring to a “lack of trust”, Mooney stated that “if we are going to survive climate change, we need the ecosystem knowledge of farmers.
Referring to a “lack of trust”, Mooney sated that “if we are going to survive climate change, we need the ecosystem knowledge of farmers.
If we are going to have a chance to adjust and shift to threats, we need the farmers to help us.”
If we are going to have a chance to adjust and shift to threats, we need the farmers to help us.”
Farmers, he said, “have the ability to adjust.
Farmers, he said, “have the ability to adjust.
They were able to do it in the past and have the capacity to use it today, in situ.
They were able to do it in the past and have the capacity to use it today, in situ.
But, above all, there must be trust”
But, above all, there must be trust”
Mooney, who has some 30 years of experience working with civil society organizations dealing with agriculture and biodiversity, spoke of what caused the problems of trust among farmers, scientists and governments in the first place.
Mooney, who has some 30 years experience working with civil society organizations dealing with agriculture and biodiversity, spoke of what caused the problems of trust among farmers, scientists and governments in the first place.
He listed genetic erosion of crops caused by monoculture farming practices of industrial agriculture, marketplace pressures, trade barriers and international property issues.
He listed genetic erosion of crops caused by monoculture farming practices of industrial agriculture, marketplace pressures, trade barriers and international property issues.
“Problems,” he says, “that are still there.”
“Problems,” he says, “that are still there.”
He recounted that 30 years ago there were 30,000 seed enterprises listed by FAO.
He recounted that 30 years ago there were 30,000 seed enterprises listed by FAO.
Today the top ten countries have 55 percent of the seed market and four countries have almost 100 percent of the GMO market.
Today the top ten countries have 55 percent of the seed market and four countries have almost 100 percent of the GMO market.
Along with this, there are new challenges such as extreme genetic engineering that brings with it a risk, “we must remember that we cannot depend on technology to solve our problems.
Along with this, there are new challenges such as extreme genetic engineering that brings with it a risk, “we must remember that we cannot depend on technology to solve our problems.
We need seeds in the vault.”
We need seeds in the vault.”
Ministers and senior officials of the AHLC members and other major donor countries met at UN Headquarters in New York today to reaffirm their strong commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ministers and senior officials of the AHLC members and other major donor countries met at UN Headquarters in New York today to reaffirm their strong commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hosted the meeting.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hosted the meeting.
As Chair, Norway thanked the participants, in particular the Palestinians and the Israelis, for their spirit of cooperation and their positive contributions during the deliberations.
As Chair, Norway thanked the participants, in particular the Palestinians and the Israelis, for their spirit of cooperation and their positive contributions during the deliberations.
The AHLC reaffirmed its political and economic support to Palestinian institution building and the efforts made by the Palestinian Government led by Prime Minister Fayyad.
The AHLC reaffirmed its political and economic support to Palestinian institution building and the efforts made by the Palestinian Government led by Prime Minister Fayyad.
Despite the difficult conditions on the ground, the Palestinian Authority has continued to implement its reform and development agenda, particularly in the area of security, and to pursue prudent fiscal policies and reforms.
Despite the difficult conditions on the ground, the Palestinian Authority has continued to implement its reform and development agenda, particularly in the area of security, and to pursue prudent fiscal policies and reforms.
Expenditure increases have been below the inflation rate, implying a retrenchment in real terms.
Expenditure increases have been below the inflation rate, implying a retrenchment in real terms.
The AHLC reaffirmed its view that economic progress in the Palestinian Territory is an essential part of bringing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to an end.
The AHLC reaffirmed its view that economic progress in the Palestinian Territory is an essential part of bringing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to an end.
As a result of the Paris conference, the international community has contributed USD 1.36 billion in budgetary support this year.
As a result of the Paris conference, the international community has contributed USD 1.36 billion in budgetary support this year.
All funding instruments, including, the European Commission’s PEGASE and the World Bank Trust Fund, have proved crucial in mobilising coordinated donor support.
All funding instruments, including, the European Commission’s PEGASE and the World Bank Trust Fund, have proved crucial in mobilising coordinated donor support.
Although considerable external financial support has been mobilised, weak economic growth has taken place since the AHLC revived the three-party cooperation last year.
Although considerable external financial support has been mobilised, weak economic growth has taken place since the AHLC revived the three-party cooperation last year.
While acknowledging Israel’s security concerns, the AHLC expressed concerns that access and movement restrictions continue to constrain Palestinian economic development.
While acknowledging Israel’s security concerns, the AHLC expressed concerns that access and movement restrictions continue to constrain Palestinian economic development.
In this context, the AHLC reiterates its support for the Quartet Representative and his intensive efforts together with the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel to fully implement the package of measures agreed on 13 May 2008, which are aimed at boosting the Palestinian economy and promoting greater freedom for the Palestinians, while taking Israeli security concerns into account.
In this context, the AHLC reiterates its support for the Quartet Representative and his intensive efforts together with the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel to fully implement the package of measures agreed on 13 May 2008, which are aimed at boosting the Palestinian economy and promoting greater freedom for the Palestinians, while taking Israeli security concerns into account.
The AHLC regards the recent Israeli measures to dismantle roadblocks in the West Bank, to allow increased transport into Gaza, and the agreement enabling a second Palestinian mobile phone company to begin operations as concrete actions to facilitate Palestinian economic development.
The AHLC regards the recent Israeli measures to dismantle roadblocks in the West Bank, to allow increased transport into Gaza, and the agreement enabling a second Palestinian mobile phone company to begin operations as concrete actions to facilitate Palestinian economic development.
These are positive first steps.
These are positive first steps.