ARISE+ IPR supports ASEAN officials and producers at AsiaGI 2019 in Bali

The ARISE+ IPR team supported the participation of IP officials and producers from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar to learn more about geographical indications (GIs) at the AsiaGI 2019 training event in Bali, Indonesia, on 25-30 March. The training event was organised by CIRAD, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, and REDD, a training and consultancy organisation based in Switzerland that supports sustainable agriculture through engagement with food producers and consumers.

Participants gained insights on GI concepts and criteria, legal and institutional frameworks, the role of producer associations, and marketing strategies, among other aspects. The training was reinforced with case studies and field visits to local GI facilities, including Kintamani Coffee.

This is the fourth AsiaGI instalment, following successful training events in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2016 and Kampot, Cambodia, in 2017 and 2018.

Geographical indications are signs which identify a product as originating in a particular region or locality, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the product is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. GIs are considered a useful tool for economic growth and sustainable development, particularly in rural areas. They help foster new markets by directing consumers to identify the distinct qualities of local products, ensuring certain quality standards are met by producers, and typically apply environmentally-sound practices.