Towards a Regional Approach for Optimizing the Use of Plant Genetic Resources in the Near East for Adaptation to Climate Change

The Near East region is one of the most arid regions of the world with poor and highly variable rainfall of less than 200 mm in most countries. Climate change will likely accentuate the water deficit in this region, reduce the length of growing seasons and force large areas of marginal agriculture out of production. The vulnerable small-scale farmers will be the most critically affected. The region is the center of origin for many major crops that are important for food security. The region thus contains a wide diversity of crop genetic resources which is available in gene banks, in the natural environment and under cultivation. However, this genetic diversity is threatened by the impact of climate change. Therefore, with limited land and scarce water resources, Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) has to play a vital role in addressing climate change through enhancing sustainable agriculture production and improving livelihoods of people. They provide the most important raw materials for developing required breeding programs to develop high yielding crop varieties with improved quality suited to various agro-ecological regions. Despite all the rich diversity, the Near East countries are experiencing difficulties in optimally using the plant genetic resources for their benefits. This requires greater regional collaboration among countries, creating the awareness among policy makers, scientist and farmers, building capacities, strengthening laws, regulations, putting in place appropriate control measures and sharing and exchange of relevant information. In this context, the FAO Technical Cooperation project TCP/SNO/3401 “Optimizing the Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture for Adaptation to Climate Change” has been implemented in Iran, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon during 2013- 2015. Concrete actions were developed for PGRFA management, characterization and utilization in national breeding programs for the benefit of farming communities to sustaining production with respect to climate change. The major achievements of the project in the four countries were: - Developing overarching national PGRFA strategy for conservation and utilization of PGRFA, based on a comprehensive baseline study assessing the status of PGRFA in each country in terms of available resources, knowledge and information system, legislations, uses, threats and constraints. - Strengthening linkages between germplasm conservation, utilization and delivery of high quality seeds of landraces and varieties to farming communities. This was achieved by identifying materials for adaptation to climate change through evaluation, screening and pre-breeding for further utilization in the national seed system and breeding programs. - Enhancing data collection, storage and information exchange on gene bank accessions. This was completed through the implementation of an operational pilot dynamic regional knowledge and innovation management network of national components for PGRFA. - Strengthening national and regional capacities for a better conservation and sustainable utilization of PGRFA. This was achieved through supporting capacity development in monitoring the implementation of the Second Global Plan of Action for the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA; enhancing capacities in advanced molecular techniques; and improving germplasm conservation infrastructure. Finally the project established effective network and data sharing and built interactive bridges among the four countries. This regional partnership is expected to flourish in order to facilitate further collaborations at the regional level in terms of germplasm exchange, evaluation and utilization with respect to climate change challenges.