Doha: The Ministry of Municipality, represented by the Biotechnology Section and the Gene Bank of the Agricultural Research Department, highlighted the key achievements of the Qatar Gene Bank in conserving genetic resources and protecting biodiversity during celebrations marking the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026. Held under the theme "Acting locally for global impact," the event underscored the importance of biodiversity conservation and the protection of genetic resources as key pillars of ecosystem sustainability, food security, and sustainable development.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ministry emphasized that since its establishment in 2012, the Qatar Gene Bank has preserved 11.37 million seeds, representing approximately 75 percent of Qatar's wild plant varieties. Moreover, the Gene Bank has documented 1,404 genetic accessions and conducted over 1,200 field missions across the country and its nature reserves.
Additional noteworthy achievements include the registration of 894 Qatari genetic resource accessions in internationally recognized databases, the preservation of 3,500 standard herbarium specimens, and the training of 100 local participants through 20 regional and international courses, totaling 600 training hours. The ministry also mentioned that Qatar's genetic resources have been officially registered in the global system of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), strengthening the country's contribution to international efforts aimed at conserving biodiversity and safeguarding genetic resources.