Biodiversity: Towards Regional Approach for Enhancing the Sustainable Use of Plant

Agrobiodiversity NENA Region

Presentation Made by <AARINENA>

Abeer El-HalwagiSenior Researcher at National Gene Bank of EgyptOrganization /Member of AARINENA

Recent developments of PGR in NENA region

• Building on previous initiatives and making use of learned lessons, the region is determined to improve its PGR status and development.

Two major developments in this regard are singled out:

• Establishment of a regional PGR network

• Developing a comprehensive PGR Regional Strategy

Near East and North Africa Plant Genetic Resources Network

(NENAPGRN)

A plant genetic resources network (NENAPGRN) was established under the AARINENA auspices following a decision by the AARINENA 11th general conference in 2008. Objectives of the network• To strengthen coordination and collective action within and among countries of the NENA region for the conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) in the region. Membership of the network• The network is initially to serve some 29 countries of the region and intend to cooperate with countries outside the region.

The Strategy for the Near East and North Africa Region

Description•The strategy has been developed and adopted as a regional strategy for NENAPGRN but with intention of having a wider scope to cover as well all countries in the NENA region even if not members in NENAPGRN. Goal •The overarching goal of the Strategy is the conservation and sustainable utilization of plant genetic diversity in the Region through promoting concerted coordinated efforts at national and regional levels for efficient and effective ex situ as well as in situ conservation of crop of prime importance to the Region.

The Strategy’s Objectives and Outputs

Objectives •Conduct collecting missions at national and/or regional level, based on gap analysis for enriching the ex situ collections;•Conduct research efforts on aspects related to defining biodiversity hot spots for in situ conservation and management; •Establishing network of protected areas representing different ecosystems, and transboundary protected areas;•Exchange of experiences and of germplasm.

Outputs•Effective conservation, sustainable use and valorisation of agrobiodiversity;•Capacities strengthened and partnerships enhanced;• Appropriate policies and regulatory frameworks developed.

Elements related to use of Agrobiodiversity:Sustainable use

• Promote the utilization of PGRFA originating in the region that is adapted to emerging biotic and abiotic constraints;

• Greater attention is needed regarding the conservation and use of PGRFA of neglected and underutilized crops and non-food crops;

• Encourage an increased use of germplasm, documentation, characterization and evaluation, need to be strengthened and harmonized and the data need to be made more accessible;

• Collect and characterize agrobiodiversity.

PGR information and Policies

Management of PGR Information•Establish/Enhance effective mechanism(s) for exchange of PGR information at the regional level.Policy and legislation•Harmonize views and policies, rules and regulations related to PGRFA in order to promote seed trade and enhance the regional exchange of PGRFA, information, and technologies;

Capacity Building

• Expand training and enhance capacity in all facets of PGRFA utilization, characterization, evaluation, breeding, and seed production;

• Build capacities of farmers, scientists, researchers, technicians and others to better understand the values of agrobiodiversity, factors that threaten it and opportunities for sustainable use;

• Develop a national expertise on policies and legislation related to PGRFA conservation and utilization;

• Promoting and strengthening public awareness on the importance of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

Thank You