Jointly organized by Bioversity International, on behalf of the Global Cacao Genetic Resources Network (CacaoNet) and the Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) 

The GOAL of the CacaoNet workshop is to secure the long-term conservation of cacao genetic diversity and optimise the use through the development of the Global Strategic Cacao Collection (GSCC). 

The SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES proposed are:

1.    Review the current situation and concept: where we are with the development of the Global Strategic Cacao Collection (GSCC), its goal and proposed approach (allelic diversity and traits) and the information systems supporting the decision-making process – CANGIS and the ICGD.
2.    Agree on the long-term goal of the GSCC and future direction to secure and optimise the use of cacao genetic diversity.
3.    Review the scientific and technical advances made since the Global Strategy in 2012 linked to the GSCC.
4.    Agree on the criteria for the inclusion of cacao germplasm into the GSCC, considering the following:

                          o     Allelic diversity.

                                  o    Traits of most interest to users such as yield, flavour characteristics and disease resistance.
                                  o    Type of materials (the continuum from wild species to breeding lines).
                                  o    Complementarities between ex situ and in situ and on-farm conservation.

5.    Propose solutions for the compilation of information on the GSCC criteria, particularly the evaluation data on important traits and identify the main gaps. 
6.    Discuss the links between the GSCC and evaluation of germplasm activities and associated tools.
7.    Agree on the mechanism for GSCC decision-making: what data, how and recommended methodology, towards the development of a list of priority genotypes identified with known agronomic/economic value. 
8.    Discuss the political aspects of conservation and accessibility of unique materials in national collections.
9.    Agree on the short, medium and longer-term priorities for securing the ex situ conservation (gap filling), considering the threats in the wild and on-farms and collecting priorities.
10.    Propose roles and responsibilities of the main partners in the GSCC, including ensuring the safety-duplication of the materials. 
11.    Propose priorities for discussion during the follow-up CacaoNet workshop on the on-farm conservation of cacao genetic diversity.
12.    Make recommendations for the next steps and proposal for action:
    a)    Problems to be addressed by research
    b)    Action agenda for the partners (CATIE, CRC, ICQCR, and the national partners)
    c)    Action agenda for data managers
    d)    Identification of agents suitable for political persuasion and  process
    e)    Funding the process and timelines
    f)    Coordination and partnerships