The document discusses the challenges and strategies for optimizing plant genetic resources in Egypt's agriculture, particularly in the context of climate change. It highlights the history and importance of biodiversity, the establishment of a national gene bank, and the guidelines set by international agreements for the conservation of genetic resources. Additionally, it details the country's agricultural practices, protected areas, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainable use of plant genetic resources.

1. Optimizing the Use of Plant Genetic resources for FoodOptimizing the Use of Plant Genetic resources for Food
and Agriculture for Adaptation to Climate Changeand Agriculture for Adaptation to Climate Change
TCP/SNO/3401TCP/SNO/3401
Baseline Study on the Current PGRFA inBaseline Study on the Current PGRFA in
EgyptEgypt
Dr. Sami Reda Saber SabryDr. Sami Reda Saber Sabry
Project National ConsultantProject National Consultant
First National Meeting to Enhance Ownership of NationalFirst National Meeting to Enhance Ownership of National
Strategy for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and AgricultureStrategy for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2 April 2014 -Cairo, Egypt2 April 2014 -Cairo, Egypt

2. Introduction and Historical BackgroundIntroduction and Historical Background
 Location of EgyptLocation of Egypt
Latitude 22Latitude 22ْْto 32to 32ْْNorth of EquatorNorth of Equator
Longitude 24Longitude 24ْْto 37to 37ْْEast of GreenwichEast of Greenwich
Total area 1,002,000 sq. KmTotal area 1,002,000 sq. Km
The country is rich of landraces and wildThe country is rich of landraces and wild
relatives which survived for hundreds of years.relatives which survived for hundreds of years.
Landraces and wild relatives are widely adaptedLandraces and wild relatives are widely adapted
to biotic and abiotic stresses.to biotic and abiotic stresses.

3. Cont.Cont.
The Egyptian agriculture is facing mainThe Egyptian agriculture is facing main
challenges like limited cultivated area and waterchallenges like limited cultivated area and water
supply.supply.
Prevailing pressures including desertification,Prevailing pressures including desertification,
erosion, climate changes and overuse oferosion, climate changes and overuse of
pesticides and other agrochemicals causedpesticides and other agrochemicals caused
disappearance of genetic resources atdisappearance of genetic resources at
unprecedented rate.unprecedented rate.
In the past 50 years new uniform crop varietiesIn the past 50 years new uniform crop varieties
replaced many local varieties and landraces.replaced many local varieties and landraces.

4. Cont.Cont.
 TheThe National Gene Bank (NGB)National Gene Bank (NGB) was estabishedwas estabished
in 2003 and opened in 2004 to be responsible forin 2003 and opened in 2004 to be responsible for
the conservation and maintenance of plant,the conservation and maintenance of plant,
animal and microorganisms genetic resources inanimal and microorganisms genetic resources in
Egypt agricultural sector.Egypt agricultural sector.
 TheThe NBGNBG was assigned to coordinate betweenwas assigned to coordinate between
activities of National Genetic Resourcesactivities of National Genetic Resources
Programs in ARC, Universities, Private sectorPrograms in ARC, Universities, Private sector
companies and Seed Supply System entities.companies and Seed Supply System entities.

5. The State of DiversityThe State of Diversity
Utilization of biological diversity remains theUtilization of biological diversity remains the
best way to secure future food needs and to drivebest way to secure future food needs and to drive
the economic and social development of thethe economic and social development of the
world.world.
The history of plant domestication is theThe history of plant domestication is the
humanity’s best defense against poverty, foodhumanity’s best defense against poverty, food
insecurity and threats to natural resources.insecurity and threats to natural resources.

6. Cont.Cont.
Egyptian agriculture is a very intensive system. ItEgyptian agriculture is a very intensive system. It
consumes 450 thousand ton of seed fromconsumes 450 thousand ton of seed from
different field crops and more than 5000 ton ofdifferent field crops and more than 5000 ton of
vegetable seed excluding seed of vetetativelyvegetable seed excluding seed of vetetatively
propagated crops.propagated crops.
Egyptian farmers still use old local varieties seedEgyptian farmers still use old local varieties seed
in some places which are considered a very richin some places which are considered a very rich
biodiversity resource.biodiversity resource.

7. Cont.Cont.
Egypt signed the Convention on BiologicalEgypt signed the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) on June 1992 and ratified it onDiversity (CBD) on June 1992 and ratified it on
June 1994. It also signed the International TreatyJune 1994. It also signed the International Treaty
on Plant Genetic Resources for food andon Plant Genetic Resources for food and
Agriculture on August 2002 and ratified it onAgriculture on August 2002 and ratified it on
2004.2004.
The treaty sets the guidelines for collection,The treaty sets the guidelines for collection,
identification, evaluation, maintenance andidentification, evaluation, maintenance and
documentation of plant genetic resources. It alsodocumentation of plant genetic resources. It also
defines national obligations for the sustainabledefines national obligations for the sustainable
use of those resources by each contracting party.use of those resources by each contracting party.

8. The State oThe State o In SituIn Situ ManagementManagement
Three workshops were held and organized byThree workshops were held and organized by
NBG and stakeholders seed supply companies,NBG and stakeholders seed supply companies,
farmers and plant genetic programs.farmers and plant genetic programs.
Under the law No. 102, 1983 for protected areas,Under the law No. 102, 1983 for protected areas,
twenty seven protectorates were identified tilltwenty seven protectorates were identified till
2010 representing about 10% of the total area of2010 representing about 10% of the total area of
Egypt.Egypt.

9. The number of plant species and the nature of the protected areas of Egypt
Recent Assessment of Plant Biodiversity of the Protected Areas of Egypt
No.
Name of
protected area
Type of protected area
No. of
plant species
1 Abu Glum Waterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine) 25
2 Ras Mohammed Waterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine) 53
3 Taba Desert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains) 87
4 Nabq Waterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine) 40
5 Wadi Allaqi Desert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains) 98
6 Siwa Desert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains) 52
7 Elba Desert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains) 381
8 Ahrash Waterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine) 12
9 Ashtoum El-Gamil Waterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine) 6
10 Burullus Waterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine) 192
11 Zaraneek Waterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine) 152
12 Omayed Desert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains) 150
13 Wadi El-Rayan Waterland (Marine, Lakes & Riverine) 38
14 Wadi El-Gimal Desert (Highlands, Valleys & Plains) 92
Total 1378

10. The Egyptian Flora Species, 2000The Egyptian Flora Species, 2000
Taxa
No. of
species
No. of
endemic
species
No. of
endangered
species*
Viruses 44 - -
Bacteria 238 - -
Fungi 1260 - -
Algae 1148 - -
Non-flowering vascular
plants
337 - -
flowering plants 2094 61 4

11. The State ofThe State of Ex SituEx Situ ManagementManagement
(1)(1)National Gene Bank OrganizationNational Gene Bank Organization
- There are four major departments related to the- There are four major departments related to the
NGB activities, they are:NGB activities, they are:
 Field Crops.Field Crops.
 Horticultural Crops.Horticultural Crops.
 Animal Genetic Resources.Animal Genetic Resources.
 Agriculture-related micro-organisms.Agriculture-related micro-organisms.

12. The National Gene Bank Organization alsoThe National Gene Bank Organization also
comprises the following sections, labs, and facilities:comprises the following sections, labs, and facilities:
1-The Genetic resources conservation section
2-Seed Viability Testing and Regeneration Section.
3-Genetic Resources Evaluation Section.
4-Documentation and Information Section.
5-Taxonomy Section.
6-Chemical Analysis Lab.
7-Molecular Genetics Lab.
8-Tissue Culture Lab.
9-Cytogenetics Lab.
10-NGB Farm.
11-Green houses.
12-NGB Herbarium

13. Number of Genera and Species in the NGB
CropCrop GenraGenra SpeciesSpecies
Field CropsField Crops 5858 115115
Vegetable CropsVegetable Crops 5151 7676
FruitsFruits 2020 2525
Medicinal and Aromatic plantsMedicinal and Aromatic plants 183183 252252
Trees & ShrubsTrees & Shrubs 4545 6363
Wild PlantsWild Plants 165165 232232
TotalTotal 522522 763763

14. The Planned Cold Storage Capacity
Storage TypeStorage Type True seeds accessionsTrue seeds accessions Tissue CultureTissue Culture
Short Period StorageShort Period Storage
3-5 Years3-5 Years
7871078710 12251225
Medium Period StorageMedium Period Storage
5-7 Years5-7 Years
127450127450 24502450
Long Period StorageLong Period Storage
7-10 Years7-10 Years
169680169680 24502450

15. List of Botanical Gardens in Egypt
No.
Name of
Botanical Garden
Present
Area
(Feddan)
*
Date
of Estab.
No.
of F.
No.
of G.
No. of
Species
1 Ain Shams Univ., Fac. of Sci. 3 1953 114 750 1200
2 Alex. Univ. Fac. of Sci. 2 1942 500
3 Cairo Univ., Fac. of Agr. 15 1947 31 64 80
4 Orman B.G., Giza 28 1873 90 520 600
5 Zohryia, Gezera, Giza 8 1868 57 143 442
6 Quba Palace, Cairo 124 1960 72 551
7 Zoo Garden, Giza 80 1890 68 208 342
8 Manial Balace, Giza 61 150 239
9 Agriculture Museum, Dokky,
Giza 1937 32 73 94
10 Azbakyia Garden 10 1867 41 83 800
11 Antoniadis Garden, Alex. 45 1860 62
12 Al-Nozha Garden, Alex. 300 BC.
13 Rose Garden, Alex. 5 1928
14 Aswan Garden 17 1928 59 97 371

16.  Several herbaria of dried native plantsSeveral herbaria of dried native plants
(specimen) can be found in Egypt. The(specimen) can be found in Egypt. The
Department of Botany of the Faculty of Science,Department of Botany of the Faculty of Science,
Cairo University, Ain Shams University. In theCairo University, Ain Shams University. In the
Agriculture Museum, MALR is maintaining aAgriculture Museum, MALR is maintaining a
very big collection among other herbaria invery big collection among other herbaria in
Egypt. The herbarium serves as a reference forEgypt. The herbarium serves as a reference for
the identification of the several groups of nativethe identification of the several groups of native
germplasm.germplasm.

17. Other Organizations Participating in theOther Organizations Participating in the
Information Sharing MechanismInformation Sharing Mechanism
A.A. Central Administration for Seed Testing andCentral Administration for Seed Testing and
Certification (CASC)Certification (CASC)
B.B. Central Administration for Seed ProductionCentral Administration for Seed Production
(CASP).(CASP).
C.C. Seed CompaniesSeed Companies
D.D. Breeding ProgramsBreeding Programs

18. A. (CASC)A. (CASC)
- It is the agency responsible for seed quality- It is the agency responsible for seed quality
control, seed legislation and state policycontrol, seed legislation and state policy
enforcement. It is the designated seedenforcement. It is the designated seed
certification authority which performs seed labcertification authority which performs seed lab
and field testing for certified seed and lab testingand field testing for certified seed and lab testing
for the uncertified seed.for the uncertified seed.

19. - CASCCASC includes directorates and offices for theincludes directorates and offices for the
following activities: Seed and Seedling Fieldfollowing activities: Seed and Seedling Field
Inspection – Control Plot Testing – Seed ViabilityInspection – Control Plot Testing – Seed Viability
Testing – Seed Health Testing – Checking andTesting – Seed Health Testing – Checking and
Rechecking – Arbitration – Seed and SeedlingRechecking – Arbitration – Seed and Seedling
Certification – Seed Import and Export Control –Certification – Seed Import and Export Control –
Market Control and Seed Legislation EnforcementMarket Control and Seed Legislation Enforcement
– Extension and Training – Licensing – Variety and– Extension and Training – Licensing – Variety and
Breeder’s Rights – Variety Testing.Breeder’s Rights – Variety Testing.

20. Numbers of Registered Varieties (Field Crops) 1988-2010
Crop
88/2003 2010 Total
Gov.Gov.
Priv.Priv.
Tot.Tot.
Gov.Gov.
Priv.Priv.
Tot.Tot.
Gov.Gov.
Priv.Priv.
Tot.Tot.
1 Alfalfa 5 1 6 5 1 6
2 Barley - 6 Rows 7 0 7 7 0 7
2 Rows 2 0 2 2 0 2
Barley Total 7 0 7 7 0 7
3 Berseem 9 0 9 9 0 9
4 Chickpea 2 0 2 2 0 2
5 Cotton 15 0 15 15 0 15
6 Broad bean 17 0 17 17 0 17
7 Flax( lineseed) 4 0 4 4 0 4
8 Lentil 4 0 4 4 0 4
9 Maize- White Lines 13 0 13 13 0 13
Yellow lines 13 0 13 9 0 9
Single W. Hyb. 12 15 27 0 4 4 12 19 65
Single Y. Hyb. 7 7 14 0 8 8 7 15 22
Double W. Hyb 2 4 6 2 4 6
Double Y. Hyb 0 3 3 0 3 3
3 Way. W. Hyb 11 8 19 0 2 2 11 10 21
3 Way. Y. Hyb 7 4 11 7 4 11
Maize Total 65 41 106 65 41 106
10 Millet 2 0 2 2 0 2
Total 130 42 172 2 14 16 132 56 188

21. CropCrop
88/200388/2003 20102010 TotalTotal
Gov.Gov.
Priv.Priv.
Tot.Tot.
Gov.Gov.
Priv.Priv.
Tot.Tot.
Gov.Gov.
Priv.Priv.
Tot.Tot.
PreviousPrevious 130130 4242 172172 22 1414 1616 132132 5656 188188
1111 RiceRice 1212 00 1212 11 00 11 1313 00 1313
1212 SorghumSorghum 77 77 1414 00 11 11 77 88 1515
1313 Sorghum XSorghum X
SudangrassSudangrass 55 33 88 55 33 88
1414 SudangrassSudangrass 11 00 11 11 00 11
1515 SoybeanSoybean 66 00 66 66 00 66
1616 SunflowerSunflower 00 88 88 00 11 11 00 99 99
1717 Wheat - BreadWheat - Bread 2828 00 2828 22 00 22 3030 00 3030
DurumDurum 55 00 55 11 00 11 66 00 66
Wheat TotalWheat Total 3333 00 3333 33 00 33 3636 00 3636
1818 Sugar CaneSugar Cane 88 00 88 88 00 88
1919 Sugar beetSugar beet 2222 00 2222 2525 4444 6969 4747 4444 9191
2020 TeosinteTeosinte 11 00 11 11 00 11
2121 SesameSesame 66 00 66 66 00 66
2222 PeanutPeanut 33 00 33 00 11 11 33 11 44
2323 OnionOnion 44 00 44 44 00 44
2424 F. cowpeaF. cowpea 11 00 11 11 00 11
2525 GouarGouar 11 00 11 11 00 11
2626 Bonavist,lablabBonavist,lablab 11 00 11 11 00 11
2727 Munge beanMunge bean 11 00 11 11 00 11
2828 CanolaCanola 22 00 22 22 00 11
114114 1818 132132 2929 4747 7676 143143 4747 208208
TotalTotal 244244 6060 304304 3131 6161 9292 275275 121121 396396
Cont.

22. Numbers of Registered Varieties (Vegetables) 1988-2010
CropCrop
88/200288/2002 20102010 TotalTotal
Gov.Gov. Priv.Priv. Tot.Tot. Gov.Gov. PrivPriv
.. Tot.Tot. Gov.Gov. Priv.Priv. Tot.Tot.
11 BeanBean 44 1616 2020 00 11 11 44 1717 2121
22 CucumberCucumber 88 6767 7575 00 99 99 88 7676 8484
33 GarlicGarlic 11 00 11 11 00 11
44
KarcadeKarcade
(Rama)(Rama) 11 00 11 11 00 11
55
SweetSweet
PotatoPotato 44 00 44 44 00 44
66 TomatoTomato 44 8484 8888 00 2424 2424 44 108108 112112
77 SquashSquash 11 1414 1515 11 55 66 22 1919 2121
88 PeasPeas 22 66 88 22 66 88
99 CowpeaCowpea 55 00 55 11 00 11 66 00 66
1010 WatermelonWatermelon 22 1717 1919 33 55 88 55 2222 2727
1111 MelonMelon 22 2727 2929 00 11 11 22 2828 3030
1212 CantaloupeCantaloupe 00 1717 1717 00 1717 1717
1313 RadishRadish 33 00 33 33 00 33
1414 SpinachSpinach 11 00 11 11 00 11
1515 EggplantEggplant 33 1717 2020 22 22 44 55 1919 2424
1616 PepperPepper 00 4747 4747 00 1414 1414 00 6161 6161

23. Cont.
CropCrop 88/200288/2002 20102010 TotalTotal
Gov.Gov. Priv.Priv. Tot.Tot. Gov.Gov. Priv.Priv. Tot.Tot. Gov.Gov. Priv.Priv. Tot.Tot.
1717 PotatoPotato 00 9292 9292 00 2020 2020 00 112112 112112
1818 ArtichockeArtichocke 22 00 22 22 00 22
1919 AsparagusAsparagus 22 00 22 22 00 22
2020 StrawberryStrawberry 00 66 66 00 66 66
2121 OkraOkra 11 00 11 11 00 11
2222 LettuceLettuce 00 88 88 00 88 88
2323 CabbageCabbage 11 11 22 00 11 11 11 22 33
2424 CauliflowerCauliflower 11 00 11 11 00 11
2525 CarrotCarrot 00 99 99 00 11 11 00 1010 1010
2626 TurnipTurnip 11 00 11 11 00 11
2727 Table beatTable beat 22 00 22 22 00 22
2828 Faba bean(Veg.)Faba bean(Veg.) 44 22 66 44 22 66
2929 ThymeThyme 11 00 11 11 00 11
3030 CamomileCamomile 11 00 11 11 00 11
3131 DillDill 11 00 11 11 00 11
3232 YamsYams 11 00 11 11 00 11
3333 TaroTaro 11 00 11 11 00 11
3434 BroccoliBroccoli
TotalTotal 6060 430430 490490 77 8383 9090 6767 513513 580580

24. (B) CASP(B) CASP
CASPCASP administers and advises ARC onadministers and advises ARC on
requirements for foundation class seeds, plans,requirements for foundation class seeds, plans,
supervises and contracts with seed growers tosupervises and contracts with seed growers to
multiply targeted other certified seed classes,multiply targeted other certified seed classes,
CASP also coordinates seed conditioning amongCASP also coordinates seed conditioning among
seed conditioning facilities to minimizeseed conditioning facilities to minimize
mechanical contamination of seeds and to avoidmechanical contamination of seeds and to avoid
the excessive seed transportation costs. CASP isthe excessive seed transportation costs. CASP is
head quartered in Giza, with offices in thehead quartered in Giza, with offices in the
governorates.governorates.

25. Accepted Seed Production Areas 2007-2011
(in Feddan – 4200m2)
CropCrop 2007/2007/
20082008
2008/2008/
20092009
2009/2009/
20102010
2010/2010/
20112011
Coverage W/Coverage W/
Certified Seed %Certified Seed %
a. Winter Cropsa. Winter Crops
WheatWheat 4994549945 5425854258 2514925149 3973739737 3030
Faba beanFaba bean 26332633 22942294 988988 13261326 1313
BarleyBarley 851851 10091009 592592 800800 1010
b. Summer Cropsb. Summer Crops
CottonCotton 133171133171 5855958559 5068250682 7314873148 100100
RiceRice 2277822778 2584425844 1621416214 1159411594 5050
Corn (Maize)Corn (Maize) 1127911279 1401714017 1900719007 2085920859 5353
SorghumSorghum 501501 660660 406406 281281 1010

26. (C) Seed Companies(C) Seed Companies
Seed production companies are specializing mainlySeed production companies are specializing mainly
in seed of hybrid maize, sorghum, sorghum xin seed of hybrid maize, sorghum, sorghum x
sudan grass forages, sunflower, some kinds ofsudan grass forages, sunflower, some kinds of
vegetable seeds, and seeds of berseem clover andvegetable seeds, and seeds of berseem clover and
alfalfa. Seed producing firms include specialalfalfa. Seed producing firms include special
units have been established within the ARC tounits have been established within the ARC to
deal with the breeder and foundation seeddeal with the breeder and foundation seed
classes in self – pollinated crop varieties andclasses in self – pollinated crop varieties and
hybrids. Seed companies also include seedhybrids. Seed companies also include seed
import, export, and trade.import, export, and trade.

27. (D) Breeding Programs(D) Breeding Programs
(1) The Agricultural Research Center (ARC):
- ARC is supervising and leading 5 field crops and one
horticultural crops Breeding Programmes on the national
level, namely:
1 – National Programme for Cereal Crops
2 – National Programme for Fibre Crops
3 – National Programme for Oil and Onion Crops
4 – National Programme for Legume and Fodder Crops
5 – National Programme for Sugar Crops
6 – National Programme for Horticultural Crops
(2) There are some very limited plant breeding activities in the
National Research Center (NRC), agricultural colleges and
on a larger scale in seed companies specially for hybrids
since 1988,

28. Legislative Farm workLegislative Farm work
-- The NBG is conducting its mandate within theThe NBG is conducting its mandate within the
following legislative framework:following legislative framework:
1- Laws #’s 53/1966, 102/1983 and 82/20021- Laws #’s 53/1966, 102/1983 and 82/2002
2- Prime minister degree # 1366/2003Ministrial2- Prime minister degree # 1366/2003Ministrial
decrees #’s 1920/2003, 67/2005, 335/2005, 862/2005decrees #’s 1920/2003, 67/2005, 335/2005, 862/2005
and 1196/2005.and 1196/2005.

29. Cont.Cont.
- MALR has appointed NGB as national focalMALR has appointed NGB as national focal
point to represent MALR in the internationalpoint to represent MALR in the international
organizations concerning PGR and to representorganizations concerning PGR and to represent
the ministry in implementing the treaty ofthe ministry in implementing the treaty of
PGRFA and to coordinate the activities of PG,PGRFA and to coordinate the activities of PG,
breeding programs and seed supply system inbreeding programs and seed supply system in
Egypt.Egypt.
- The NBG has prepared a protocol fr geneticThe NBG has prepared a protocol fr genetic
resources exchange to conserve GR fromresources exchange to conserve GR from
research, breeding organizations andresearch, breeding organizations and
individuals.individuals.

30. Regional and International CollaborationRegional and International Collaboration
- Egypt has signed the CBD in 1992 and ratified itEgypt has signed the CBD in 1992 and ratified it
in 1994.in 1994.
- Also, Egypt signed the International treaty ofAlso, Egypt signed the International treaty of
PGRFA in 2002 and ratified it in 2004.PGRFA in 2002 and ratified it in 2004.
- Egypt is implementing the PGRFA whichEgypt is implementing the PGRFA which
applies to 35 crops and 29 forages and assuresapplies to 35 crops and 29 forages and assures
the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFAthe conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA
and the fair and equitable sharing of benefitsand the fair and equitable sharing of benefits
arising out of their use.arising out of their use.

31.  Egypt recognizes "Egypt recognizes "the sovereign rights of the State overthe sovereign rights of the State over
its own plant genetic resources for food andits own plant genetic resources for food and
agricultureagriculture".".
 Egypt respects the Farmers' Rights in obtaining andEgypt respects the Farmers' Rights in obtaining and
using seeds from their own farms for cultivation forusing seeds from their own farms for cultivation for
self pollinated crops.self pollinated crops.
 The NGB retained the genetic resources fromThe NGB retained the genetic resources from
Egyptian origin from the foreign gene banks to beEgyptian origin from the foreign gene banks to be
added to the Egyptian collection in the NGB. Egypt.added to the Egyptian collection in the NGB. Egypt.

32.  The President of the NGB Represents the Near EastThe President of the NGB Represents the Near East
Region in the Government Body for theRegion in the Government Body for the
implementation of Plant Genetic Resources for Foodimplementation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food
and Agriculture, PGRFA Treaty.and Agriculture, PGRFA Treaty.
 MALR has appointed the President of the NGB as theMALR has appointed the President of the NGB as the
Focal Point and Coordinator of the genetic resources,Focal Point and Coordinator of the genetic resources,
breeding, and seed supply systems in Egypt.breeding, and seed supply systems in Egypt.

33. ConclusionConclusion
The role of biodiversity and the importance of itsThe role of biodiversity and the importance of its
preservation is an outstanding issue for longpreservation is an outstanding issue for long
-term food security, sustainable agriculture and-term food security, sustainable agriculture and
rural development for present and futurerural development for present and future
generations. In this regard genetic resources willgenerations. In this regard genetic resources will
be explored preserved, evaluated and madebe explored preserved, evaluated and made
available for plant breeding and scientificavailable for plant breeding and scientific
purposes. The biological diversity as stated inpurposes. The biological diversity as stated in
the Convention on Biological Diversity – CBDthe Convention on Biological Diversity – CBD
encompasses all genes, species and ecosystemsencompasses all genes, species and ecosystems.

34. Thank you