Motion 095

Since the United Nations (UN) designated Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in 1992, the UN-OHRLLS has been actively supporting and managing these nations. Starting in 1994, it has organized the International Conference on SIDS, resulting in significant initiatives like the Mauritius Strategy and the SAMOA Pathway. Initially focused on marine ecosystems, these efforts have expanded to address all areas of biodiversity, driven by the growing threats to wild plants and increasing recognition of their importance.

Wild plants in SIDS are not only ecologically significant but are also profoundly interconnected with local communities' cultures and livelihoods. Wild plant serve multiple purpose, including cultural rituals and practices, traditional building materials, and food sources. Consequently, conserving wild plants in SIDS is not just about proetcting biodiversity; it is also essential for preserving cultural identity and fostering continuity between generations within SIDS communities.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has adopted Resolutions 057 (2012), 097 (2016), and 021 (2020) to advance biodiversity conservation in SIDS. However, more focused and systematic strategies for wild plant conservation still need to be developed. To address this issue, the Korea Forest Service (KFS) and its affiliated institution, the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute (KoAGI), aim to implement a concrete project leveraging the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV) for ex-situ conservation of SIDS' wild plant.

In this project, KoAGI, as the leading institution, will collaborate with participating SIDS to enhance their capacity for seed conservation. The activities will include joint efforts in seed collection and research, as well as providing technical support and training to improve expertise in seed conservation.

Furthermore, in compliance with the IUCN Environmental Rule of Law and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), the ownership of all genetic resources deposited in BGSV will remain with the contributing countries. Legal frameworks, such as Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), will be prepared and implemented to ensure transparency and fairness.

By bridging biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and international cooperation, this project represents a critical step toward addressing the challenges of wild plant conservation in SIDS. It provides a practical solution aligned with global biodiversity frameworks, ensuring the resilience of SIDS' ecosystems while preserving their ecological and cultural heritage for future generations.