Sogo palm has a high starch yield and is more suitable for swamps and wetlands (no concern about GHG emission from dry soil) than other crops. Therefore, it is expected to play more important role in promoting food security for developing countries and solving global environmental issues.

Proposed by the FAO-RAP (Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific), the SNAP (Regional Sago Network for Asia and the Pacific) was launched on March 21-21, 2013, Bangkok, Thailand, to foster information exchange on the utilization of sago palm in the Asia-Pacific region.

After the explanation of SNAP’s background at the consultation, experts discussed on 1) the key points for sago palm development, 2) regulations on the operation of SNAP, and 3) the operation activities of SNAP. Following the discussion, the network was officially established with 22 members of various research institutions, including JIRCAS, NGOs and individuals. The members agreed on the strategic framework which set the four fields (food utilization, industrial utilization, environmental conservation, and waste disposal) and four themes (use dissemination, information sharing and network formation, promotion of innovation, and development of the policies, strategies and regulation framework) for the use of Sago palm.

JIRCAS took part in its expert consultation on the establishment. As a SNAP member, JIRCAS will participate in future consultations to exchange information and seek funds for the research of sago palm.

Launch of Regional Sogo Network for Asia and the Pacific (March 21-21, 2013, Bangkok, Thailand)