The website of the International Conference ‘Worldwide
Perspectives on Geographical Indications’ has arrived. As far as the plan is
(we cannot predict what Covid-19 restrictions will be in place), this would be
held in beautiful Rome, Italy on 6-9 July 2021 at the FAO headquarters.
Geographical Indications are ‘signs’ used on products such
as spirits (‘tequila’ in Mexico), wines (Vale dos Vinhedos’ in Brazil), food (‘Quinoa
Real’ in Bolivia), handicraft (‘Montecristi’ in Ecuador) that have a specific
geographical origin (the reason for its name/label).
Why do we need you?
The conference is an interdisciplinary affair and aims to
listen to everyone in the area of agriculture and trade linked to GIs– we mean,
EVERYONE. From public authorities to producers, policymakers to practitioners
and stakeholders to academics, you name it, and we will have a space for you.
There is a call for contributions divided into FOUR
categories: 1) Defining GIs, you can expect here the obvious origin deliberation
but…yes, I like this part ‘GIs and innovation’ covering technology, and methods.
I am quite interested in this as we understand that while one of the keys of a
GI is linked to the know-how that has been used for decades or even centuries,
we cannot expect for them to be kept like that due to climate change, deterioration
of resources, etc., there needs to be some flexibility for innovation without deteriorating
the GI as such; 2) Managing GIs – covering governance, control, certification mechanisms,
enforcement and including marketing; 3) GIs and sustainability covering the
heated debate ‘climate change’, this category seeks to evaluate GIs impact (be
it economic, social, environmental; cultural, etc.); finally 4) GI and
consumers, we all know that GIs without consumers is like having ‘fish’ without
‘chips’ (for my British readers), so this category aims to look at the impact
that GI may have on diets and looking at different labels that are used to
link a product to a locality.
We are looking for participants around the world and I am
indeed looking for participants from developing countries (check fees and
financial support). To submit your contribution and abstract of no more than
500 words is needed -- deadline is before 18 December 2020. The beauty is that
contributions can be in Spanish (cough cough my Latin American friends),
English or French (simultaneous translation will be available on the date).
For the full invitation check here. For the submission of
contribution check here. When accessing the page, just tap (left-hand side corner)
for the desired language.
