The new post, under which Morocco will represent the African regional group within the office of the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources, “is a recognition of Morocco’s diversity and richness in genetic resources,” the statement said.

The Commission, created in 1983, provides the only permanent forum for governments to discuss and negotiate matters specifically relevant to biological diversity for food and agriculture.

It aims to reach international consensus on policies for the sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.