Iraq to establish first seed bank in the region
The facility, located in the northern Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah, is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Iraqi government.
The facility will promote the preservation of plant genetic variety, improve food security, and strengthen resistance to climate change, according to a statement released by the FAO.
The seed bank is a critical institution for preserving Iraq's rich plant genetic variety, which contains approximately 3,500 plant species descended from ancient civilizations that thrived in Iraq.
These species have scientific, historical, and human significance throughout the region and beyond. The facility will enable the preservation of unique plant genetic resources, such as wild kinds of cereals, vegetables, and local crops.
The initiative will also improve Iraq's ability to retain seeds and harness beneficial genetic features derived from wild species, such as drought tolerance, to aid in the production of more climate-resistant crops.
The gene bank will include contemporary storage vaults, labs, research and teaching facilities, and rooms for seed data recording and conservation.
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