INDIA-AFRICA, hand in hand, for the promotion of biodiversity.

From 12 to 22 January 2012, a team of four people of the Coalition for the Protection of African Genetic Heritage (COPAGEN) (two from Burkina Faso, one from Ivory Coast and one from Benin), participated in an exceptional experience during the Mobile's Festival of Biodiversity in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This festival is held annually for13 years by the Deccan Development (DDS) a strong organization of 5,000 women, very active in the field. The Mobile Biodiversity Festival is a great event at a time for reflection and sharing festive.

Several hundred farmers and peasants started up to celebrate from town to town the biological diversity with which nature fills them year after year without rest. On the road, they also share their dreams and concerns with other stakeholders, because the festival does not mobilize only peasants, but also the political authorities, elected parliamentarians and local authorities, technical services of agriculture and county districts. Were also present primary school children and college youth. DDS and all grassroots stakeholders think about tomorrow, so there is a particular focus on youth.

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René M. Segbenou. Sociologist and member of  CPAGEN as scientific assessor on Genetically Modified Organisms. Member of the Council of the Association for the Development of Artisanal Fisheries (ADEPA).