The Jazan Branch of the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to host a two-day workshop on community seed banks.
The initiative supports efforts to conserve plant genetic resources and promote sustainable agriculture in partnership with the Reef National Foundation.
The workshop brings together farmers, agricultural specialists, and other stakeholders to strengthen knowledge and awareness of community seed banks and their role in preserving local seed varieties.
It also aims to encourage the exchange of seeds with agricultural and economic value while supporting the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.
A key objective of the program is to empower farmers to preserve, document, and exchange local seeds that are well adapted to different environmental conditions.
Organizers said that conserving these local varieties contributes to protecting agricultural biodiversity and maintaining valuable plant genetic resources for future generations.
Participants highlighted the importance of establishing and developing community seed banks as practical tools for strengthening food security and supporting sustainable agricultural production.
They noted that preserving plant genetic resources helps maintain crop diversity, improves resilience to environmental challenges, and ensures the continued availability of locally adapted seed varieties.
The workshop also reviewed a range of practices related to seed preservation, documentation, and exchange, providing participants with insights into effective approaches to managing and conserving local seed resources.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between farmers, agricultural institutions, and local communities to expand conservation efforts.
In addition, participants explored ways to increase community participation in protecting agricultural diversity and preserving traditional crop varieties.
They emphasized that greater involvement by farmers is essential to ensuring the long-term success of community seed banks and the continued conservation of local agricultural resources.
The workshop reflects ongoing efforts to support sustainable agricultural development in Saudi Arabia through initiatives that promote biodiversity conservation, strengthen food security, and encourage sustainable farming practices.
