A coalition of peasant and indigenous organizations from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America have expressed their interest to the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal in requesting a session dedicated to the defense of food sovereignty, in particular the protection of seeds and crops that form the basis of their food systems and livelihoods. The organizations called for recognition of the historical, cultural, and material relationship that indigenous peoples and peasant communities around the world have had with their crops and seeds since the beginning of their existence. This relationship is essential for the physical, cultural, and economic survival of these peoples, as well as for the protection and reproduction of the planet’s agricultural and natural biodiversity.
The concerns expressed in relation to regulatory mechanisms and regimes, such as those promoted by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), have given rise to the initiative, which is scheduled to take place in Costa Rica from 19 to 21 January. Since its establishment in 1961, UPOV has promoted a regulatory framework aimed at the widespread privatisation of seeds and plant varieties. This framework has progressively granted private entities, particularly multinational companies in the agro-industrial sector, exclusive rights to appropriate and exploit resources.
The event will be attended by TPP Secretary General Gianni Tognoni, Argentinian researcher Alejandro Macchia, and representatives of the promoting organisations. Throughout the event, several cases will be presented to the Tribunal, which will determine how the session can be implemented. The cases involve the following countries: Malaysia, Benin, Kenya, the Philippines, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil.
