COGENT

The International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) was established in 1992 by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), on the recommendation of 15 coconut-producing countries and in conjunction with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and its Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and CGIAR donors. COGENT established a coordination unit at IPGRl's Asia, Pacific and Oceania Regional office and its Steering Committee developed its initial programme priorities and projects. The network has developed rapidly over the past two years. COGENT aims to increase incomes in coconut-producing countries by developing and promoting sustainable methods for improving coconut production and efficient utilization of its products. It seeks to develop an effective international network to promote and coordinate research activities at the national, regional and global levels, particularly in the areas of germplasm exploration, conservation and enhancement and to establish a basis for collaborative initiatives on broader aspects of coconut research and development. The network works to support and strengthen the capacity of national programmes to conserve and utilize genetic resources through: · establishment and maintenance of an international coconut genetic resources database on collections; · encouragement of governments to protect and utilize existing coconut germplasm collections; · identification and conservation of threatened and useful diversity through the development and promotion of suitable technologies and conservation strategies; · promotion of greater collaboration, among research groups in producing countries and advanced technology sources, in the exchange of germplasm and the development of new techniques; · appropriate training, information dissemination and fund raising. The COGENT programme is focused on the development and dissemination of a database on coconut genetic resources, the collection of germplasm to secure diversity, conservation to maintain integrity and activities to promote practical use and increased coconut productivity. The International Coconut Genetic Resources Database was developed for COGENT by the Centre de cooperation internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), Montpellier. The database contains passport and characterization data on coconut collections of COGENT-member countries. The passport data of over 500 accessions from 10 countries have already been incorporated and data from other countries are being solicited. A training course on the use of the database software took place in 1995 and was followed by the distribution of the database to COGENT-member countries. COGENT held a workshop in Côte d'lvoire in 1994 to explore the standardization of coconut breeding research techniques (STANTECH). Two publications: Manual of coconut breeding research techniques and Coconut breeding programmes of 16 coconut-yroducing countries will be published in 1996 as the result of the workshop and distributed to coconut scientists and technicians worldwide. A trainers' course based on the manual was held in September, 1995 and two regional courses in the Pacific and in South Asia are planned for 1996. COGENT now has 30 country members. At present, there is no membership fee to join COGENT. To be accepted as a member, the country has to make commitments in terms of protecting, sharing and developing its coconut genetic resources and to collaborate in the implementation of mutually agreed upon research and development activities. Members benefit by having access to information and technology produced by COGENT and coconut germplasm through reciprocal arrangements with other member countries. Coconut researchers also have the opportunity to participate in training courses and research projects which are mutually agreed upon between the country and COGENT. To become a member, an authorized government official of any coconut-producing country should write to: The Director General of IPGRI Via delle Sette Chiese 142 00145 Rome - ITALY Tel (39 - 6) 518921 - Fax. (39-6) 570309 Email: ipgri@cgnet.com or Dr Pons Batugal COGENT Coordinator Tanglin PO Box 101 - SINGAPORE 912404 Tel (65) 7339611- Fax. (65) 7389636 Email: ipgri-apo@cgnet.comThe International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) was established in 1992 by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), on the recommendation of 15 coconut-producing countries and in conjunction with the Consultative..