Guardians of the Future: Seed Conservation for Sustainability

Genebanks are crucial for conserving plant biodiversity, which is essential for agricultural sustainability, food security and adaptation to climate change. They store seeds and other plant genetic materials, preserving genetic diversity in the long term. Biodiversity loss threatens global food security, and these banks are vital for restoring ecosystems, improving crops, and developing varieties resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental changes.

The workshop will be held in the laboratory for the cultivation of organisms (CULTIVE) located in the CAT. The workshop will begin with a brief introduction, where the role of seed banks in biodiversity conservation will be briefly explained. The importance of maintaining viable seeds in the long term, their role in agricultural sustainability and the conservation of endemic species, as well as conservation methods through humidity reduction, controlled temperature and use of desiccants will be emphasized.

Next, students will receive different types of seeds and organize a conservation process.