IPGRI-SSA Conservation and use of plant genetic resources

Conservation and use of plant genetic resources

IPGRI activities in SSA

About the Region
Networks
National Programmes
Training
Forestry
Specific crops
Conservation & use
   ex situ
   in situ - agro-ecosystem
   in situ - natural ecosystem
   advancing use
   understanding diversity
Documentation

IPGRI's global goal is to encourage, support and undertake activities to improve the management of genetic resources so as to eradicate poverty, increase food security and protect the environment.

IPGRI in SSA, therefore, regards as core its activities to develop strategies, approaches and methodologies for the conserving and using plant genetic resources. This about finding ways on how to conserve and use the diversity of plants (crops, wild relatives, trees, shrubs, medicinal plants and other wild plants), both at species and genetic levels, so that they are not lost and are maintained in both their original habitats (in situ/on farm) and in collections (ex situ) and are made accessible for use, for the improvement of quality of life. This component therefore includes both crop genetic resources and forest genetic resources. The results of this component feed directly into national programme development and support to regional networks efforts on PGR.
The entire range of activities is broad as depicted in the chart.

By “use”, IPGRI understands the exploitation of diversity to support genetic enhancement, the task of genetic enhancement itself and the deployment of traditional or enhanced germplasm to enrich production systems. IPGRI’s interest in these areas reflects its concern to ensure that the world’s plant genetic resources make the fullest possible contribution to the global development effort.

Specific emphasis is put on
ex situ conservation,
in situ (agro-ecosystem) conservation,
in situ (natural ecosystem) conservation,
advancing use and
understanding diversity.

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