the challenge Genetic erosion is occurring as the ecosystems of the CAC region change in response to environmental degradation and shifting agricultural practices. National programs in the region currently do not have the resources or expertise to meet the increasingly need to collect conserve, document and utilize their genetic resources. It therefore falls on the international community to support PGR conservation efforts in the region.

cac region

what is being done now
Currently, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) work to facilitate the conservation and utilization of Plant Genetic Resources in the region though direct action and facilitating the emergence of national programs. However these activities (many of which are outlined in this web-page) are only made possible with donor support. Below is a list of areas where support is particularly needed.

funding opportunities
Development of a comprehensive national policy and legal infrastructures for PGR issues. Development of strong national PGR programs. Capacity development of young PGR scientists. Development of a Regional PGR information networks. Plant Collection Missions of wild relatives and ancient crop varieties. Development of medium and long term Seed Storage Facilities in the region. Development of National and Regional PGR databases of ex-situ seed collections. Development of in-situ strategies to preserve endemic germplasm.

contact us for further information
Large and small projects involving the above areas can be facilitated by international Centers like ICARDA. If you as a funding body representative are interested in finding out more about these funding opportunities then please contact the web-master or Dr Kenneth Street of ICARDA’s Genetic Resource Unit for the development of a concept note that would suite your organizations particular areas of interest K.Street@CGIAR.ORG or pgr@cac-biodiversity.com