Third External Review of IBPGR, 1991

External program and management review of IBPGR conducted in 1991 by a panel chaired by Hugh Rogers. The record also contains an extract from the proceedings of the CGIAR meeting of May 1991, transmittals from the panel chair, and jointly from the TAC Chair and the CGIAR Executive Secretary, commentary by TAC and the CGIAR Secretariat, and the response of the IBPGR.Considerable attention was given to the progress and implications of the transition of IBPGR from being a unit of the FAO to an autonomous international institute in Rome. The panel considered the negotiation of a headquarters agreement with the Italian Government, the evolution of relationships between the IBPGR and FAO, and the burdens placed on the board and staff.The panel said the board, preoccupied with the transition, had slighted research strategy and implementation. There were several recommendations for strengthening board performance. The panel suggested ways for IBPGR to use its new status to overcome past problems in areas such as financial and human resources management. The panel perceived that the center would need a major increase in contributions. Among the important new issues and opportunities were how to strengthen weak national genebanks and understanding the impact of biotechnology on the regime for intellectual property rights. TAC was concerned about enhancing the working relationships among IARCs involved in genetic conservation, and identifying cost-effective approaches for both the IARCs and national genebanks. The issue of how IBPGR should deal with forest genetic resources was left open for consideration in the context of a future strategic plan. IBPGR was encouraged to strengthen its activities in information systems. Its research should be expanded to include policy and social aspects of germplasm conservation.Agenda document at TAC 54 and the CGIAR meeting in May 1991.