Submission on the functioning of the MLS under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources

26 September 2025

Biowatch South Africa submission in relation to the draft package of measures developed by the Open-Ended Working Group to Enhance the Functioning of the Multilateral System (MLS) under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) - the Plant Treaty.

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GM Permit Objection: Application for trial release of GM Canola DP73496-4

11 August 2025

Biowatch South Africa gives input in response to the Corteva Agriscience application for a permit for trial release of GM Canola DP73496-4.

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Biowatch Bulletin: July 2025

Biowatch Bulletin: February to July 2025.

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AE Qalisa training support materials - English

These how-to materials were developed for participants who attend Biowatch’s AE Qalisa! “introduction to agroecology” practical training course for smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. They were developed specifically to support the first steps in applying agroecology practices in traditional homestead planning.

Please note: Because agroecology farming practices are context-specific and responsive to the local climate and culture, the practices shared in these materials may not be appropriate for all areas or climates, and should be adapted to suit your own context, climate and cultural preferences.

These materials are available in English and in isiZulu.

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AE Qalisa training support materials - isiZulu

These how-to materials were developed for participants who attend Biowatch’s AE Qalisa! “introduction to agroecology” practical training course for smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. They were developed specifically to support the first steps in applying agroecology practices in traditional homestead planning.

Please note: Because agroecology farming practices are context-specific and responsive to the local climate and culture, the practices shared in these materials may not be appropriate for all areas or climates, and should be adapted to suit your own context, climate and cultural preferences.

These materials are available in English and in isiZulu.

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Biowatch Bulletin: January 2025

Biowatch Bulletin: August 2024 to January 2025

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Policy Submission: Implementation of UNDROP

16 October 2024

Biowatch South Africa submission on the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP)

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Info Sheet: What are Farmer's Rights?

This 8-page Biowatch Info Sheet explores Farmers' Rights: what they are; why they are important; and the history of Farmers’ Rights. We also investigate and discuss two of the most important legal instruments for Farmers’ Rights: the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; and the Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP).

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Policy Submission: Draft National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Bill, 2024

25 July 2024

Biowatch South Africa comments on the Draft National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Bill, 2024

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Biowatch Bulletin: July 2024

Biowatch Bulletin: February to July 2024

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