Ethiopia has achieved a significant milestone in biodiversity conservation, boasting the largest plant gene bank on the African continent. The nation’s repository now houses over 91,000 plant samples, representing a crucial safeguard against the global decline in biodiversity.
This impressive collection, amassed over five decades, surpasses a third of the total plant samples stored across the entire African continent. Housed within the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, these genetic resources are not merely a national treasure but a global asset, offering invaluable insights for agricultural research and development.
“This gene bank is a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to biodiversity conservation,” stated Wubshet Teshome, Executive Director of the Institute’s Crop and Horticulture Biodiversity Research. He emphasized the critical role these genetic resources play in bolstering food security and adapting to the challenges of climate change.
Recognizing the vulnerability of these precious resources to natural disasters and human-induced threats, Ethiopia is taking proactive steps to ensure their long-term preservation. The government is currently developing a “duplicate gene bank” in Addis Ababa, complementing the existing facility in Fiche. This redundancy strategy aims to safeguard these invaluable resources against unforeseen events.
While acknowledging the significant strides made in plant conservation, Dr. Teshome emphasized the need for greater utilization of the gene bank’s resources. He called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, including researchers, farmers, and policymakers, to ensure that these invaluable genetic resources are effectively utilized to improve agricultural productivity and enhance food security.
“This is not just about collecting seeds,” Dr. Teshome explained. “It’s about ensuring that these valuable resources are accessible and utilized to benefit Ethiopian farmers and contribute to global food security.”
Ethiopia’s achievement in plant conservation serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the crucial role that African nations can play in safeguarding global biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
