El-Halwagi, AARINENA

1. Biodiversity: Towards Regional Approach for
Enhancing the Sustainable Use of Plant
Agrobiodiversity NENA Region
Presentation Made by
<AARINENA>
Abeer El-Halwagi
Senior Researcher at National Gene Bank of Egypt
Organization /Member of AARINENA

2. Recent developments of PGR in NENA region
• Building on previous initiatives and making use of learned
lessons, the region is determined to improve its PGR status
and development.
Two major developments in this regard are singled out:
• Establishment of a regional PGR network
• Developing a comprehensive PGR Regional Strategy

3. Near East and North Africa Plant Genetic
Resources Network
(NENAPGRN)
A plant genetic resources network (NENAPGRN) was established
under the AARINENA auspices following a decision by the
AARINENA 11th general conference in 2008.
Objectives of the network
• To strengthen coordination and collective action within and
among countries of the NENA region for the conservation and
sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) in the region.
Membership of the network
• The network is initially to serve some 29 countries of the region
and intend to cooperate with countries outside the region.

4. The Strategy for the Near East and North Africa
Region
Description
•The strategy has been developed and adopted as a regional
strategy for NENAPGRN but with intention of having a wider
scope to cover as well all countries in the NENA region even if
not members in NENAPGRN.
Goal
•The overarching goal of the Strategy is the conservation and
sustainable utilization of plant genetic diversity in the Region
through promoting concerted coordinated efforts at national
and regional levels for efficient and effective ex situ as well as in
situ conservation of crop of prime importance to the Region.

5. The Strategy’s Objectives and Outputs
Objectives
•Conduct collecting missions at national and/or regional level, based on
gap analysis for enriching the ex situ collections;
•Conduct research efforts on aspects related to defining biodiversity hot
spots for in situ conservation and management;
•Establishing network of protected areas representing different
ecosystems, and transboundary protected areas;
•Exchange of experiences and of germplasm.
Outputs
•Effective conservation, sustainable use and valorisation of
agrobiodiversity;
•Capacities strengthened and partnerships enhanced;
• Appropriate policies and regulatory frameworks developed.

6. Elements related to use of Agrobiodiversity:
Sustainable use
• Promote the utilization of PGRFA originating in the region
that is adapted to emerging biotic and abiotic constraints;
• Greater attention is needed regarding the conservation and
use of PGRFA of neglected and underutilized crops and
non-food crops;
• Encourage an increased use of germplasm, documentation,
characterization and evaluation, need to be strengthened
and harmonized and the data need to be made more
accessible;
• Collect and characterize agrobiodiversity.

7. PGR information and Policies
Management of PGR Information
•Establish/Enhance effective mechanism(s) for exchange of PGR
information at the regional level.
Policy and legislation
•Harmonize views and policies, rules and regulations related to
PGRFA in order to promote seed trade and enhance the regional
exchange of PGRFA, information, and technologies;

8. Capacity Building
• Expand training and enhance capacity in all facets of
PGRFA utilization, characterization, evaluation,
breeding, and seed production;
• Build capacities of farmers, scientists, researchers,
technicians and others to better understand the values
of agrobiodiversity, factors that threaten it and
opportunities for sustainable use;
• Develop a national expertise on policies and legislation
related to PGRFA conservation and utilization;
• Promoting and strengthening public awareness on the
importance of plant genetic resources for food and
agriculture.

9. Thank You