Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center (OAPGRC) has welcomed a top expert in genetic conservation to advise and provide guidance on the development and implementation of a national plant agrobiodiversity conservation strategy for the Sultanate.

Dr Nigel Maxted from the UK-based University of Birmingham is an expert in genetic conservation, who has worked on numerous international projects and has recently been involved in developing a strategic options paper for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

“This visit represents the first phase of Oman’s National Plant Agrobiodiversity Conservation Strategy. Given the sultanate’s fascinating wealth of plant agrobiodiversity, I am particularly delighted to have been invited by OAPGRC to take part in this important project,” said Dr Maxted.
 
“During this visit, I have consulted and liaised with a variety of stakeholders, including representatives from: the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; Sultan Qaboos University; the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs; Oman Botanic Garden; and Royal Court Affairs Farms and Gardens. Their input has been invaluable.”
 
“The second phase will involve a variety of elements including: overseeing its implementation; the establishment of best practice; building on and meeting regional and international mechanisms; and overseeing the sustainable exploitation of Omani plant genetic resources to benefit the nation.”
 
A key element in food security, agrobiodiversity has become an issue of increasing international concern in recent years, as a rapidly growing world population, currently estimated to reach nine billion by 2050, has already begun to impact on food demand, said a statement.

This along with the globalisation of agricultural markets has lead to significant land use changes and a rapid loss in agricultural biodiversity worldwide, it said.

Dr Nadiya Al Saadi, OAPGRC executive director, said: “This visit, and the initiation of this hugely important project, is the result of many months of careful planning and we are very grateful that Dr Maxted has been able to join us at its inception.

“Oman has been blessed with a rich abundance of biodiversity of which our plant agrobiodiversity is a significant and vital part. Preserving it is an imperative. Our agricultural landscape, which is built on our biodiversity, is part of our natural capital and, as it underpins our food chain, is essential not just to the well-being of those whose livelihoods are connected to the land, but to every single one of us and the generations that come after us.” 
 
Plant agrobiodiversity includes but is not limited to seed varieties, plants and weeds. Its custodians from time immemorial have been our farmers, said the statement.

Agricultural biodiversity contributes to food security and the security of the livelihoods depending on it. It also plays an important part in our natural ecosystem such as soil and water conservation and the maintenance of soil fertility and pollination. - TradeArabia News Service