Geographical indications: A tool for the protection of biodiversity and traditional knowledge
Market development of neglected and underutilized species can synergistically support income generation for the rural poor and the conservation of agricultural biodiversity but in an increasingly globalized world, ensuring that the benefits of this market development reach the communities who have maintained the crops and associated knowledge through generations is a major concern. Geographical indications are a promising tool to help in achieving this end.
The particularities of the environment and cultural practices of a specific place confer unique aspects to the taste and experience of the food and drink that are produced there. This power of location has been instrumental in the market development of world-renowned products like champagne, parma ham, gruyère cheese, and scotch whiskey. These products are associated with high quality and reliability and this reputation is upheld through a system of geographical indications. The producers are provided a measure of protection through this system as the label ties the good reputation to the specific production region.
Examining geographical indications in six developing countries
| A recent report explores the potential for geographical indications to strengthen biodiversity conservation and pro-poor value chain development of traditional crops in the developing world. The report prepared by CIRAD under the supervision of Crops for the Future and commissioned UNCTAD is a follow-up to a study undertaken by the global facilitation unit for underutilized species (GFU) in 2007 (link here). |
The report reviews the existing policy framework for geographical indications in six countries: Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Mauritania and identifies potential products for recognition within geographically and culturally distinct production regions.
In Cambodia, cardamom from cardamom mountain is one of the products reviewed. The crop is grown in the forest by the Pear people using traditional methods. Battamang rice, appreciated for its softness and flavour, is also reviewed for geographical indication potential in Cambodia. Competition from Thailand and issues with imitation of the variety are noted as concerns. Palm sugar produced from the sap of Borassus flabellifer is discussed as another product for recognition by geographic indication because of its traditional and localized production on Rote Island in Indonesia. The tree cannot be planted, which means that production cannot readily be intensified. In Ethiopia, timiz pepper is proposed as a crop for recognition under geographical indication. Introduced Indian long pepper is competing with the local crop but timiz has a distinct flavour and is more mild. A number of other crops are reviewed in the report.
Recommendations to promote pro-poor development and biodiversity conservation
The political frameworks for geographic indications in each country were in different stages of development. Ethiopia had no specific framework for this cause. A major concern for all countries was the lack of guidelines for biodiversity conservation and protection of poor communities. Another concern was the capacity for individual actors and non-producers (traders/consumers) to apply for the designation, which limits the potential empowerment for producer groups. A number of recommendations are proposed to strengthen the policy frameworks in favour of biodiversity conservation and pro-poor development.
Read the full report on the Crops for the Future Webpage by this link.
Related Publications
- Geographical Indications, Biodiversity and Poor Communities: The opportunity for geographical indications to provide protection for traditional indigenous biodiversity products and benefits to poor agricultural communities. Marie-Vivien and Chabrol 2014.
- Relevance of geographical indications and designations of origin for the sustainable use of genetic resources. Larson 2007.
- Using Markets to Promote the Sustainable Utilization of Crop Genetic Resources. Anderson et al 2009.
- Promoting Value Chains of Neglected and Underutilized Species for Pro-Poor Growth and Biodiversity Conservation. Will 2008
- A holistic approach to enhance the use of neglected and underutilized species: the case of Andean grains in Bolivia and Peru. Padulosi et al 2014