18 February 2010
Palais des Nations - Geneva
Geographical Indications (GIs) are a global phenomenon. Producers from developing countries
increasingly rely on GIs for the sustainable development of their communities. By providing jobs,
helping preserve the environment and ensuring that the globalization of markets does not encroach on
the diversity, quality and tradition of origin products, GIs play a crucial role in local economies.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the SINERGI project, has recently published a Guide on origin products and sustainable development: “Linking people, places and products - a guide for promoting quality linked to geographical origin and sustainable GIs”.
The Guide is a practical instrument for producers in developing countries in their
efforts to set-up and develop GIs.
Starting from the presentation of the FAO Guide, the purpose of this event is to discuss how producers
and policy-makers in poor countries can use the GI leverage in development strategies.
Agenda
Introduction
Mr. Manzoor Ahmad, Director, FAO Liaison Office in Geneva (Speech)
Presentation of the FAO Guide
“Linking people, places and products -
A Guide for promoting quality linked to geographical origin and sustainable GIs”
Ms. E. Vandecandelaere (See presentation)
Quality&Origin, FAO
Prof. F. Arfini (See presentation)
University of Parma
Comments
Mr. K. Adachi, Legal Officer and Chief, Intellectual Property Unit, UNCTAD
Mr. M. Vittori, Secretary General, oriGIn
Discussion
