Participatory and science-based Strategic Action Plan to strengthen the conservation of plant genetic resources

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AS A roadmap for strengthening the conservation and use of Mesoamerican native plant genetic resources as a strategic element for climate change adaptation. It combines analysis of scientific evidence (diagnosis of the status of PGRFA in the region) and broad consultation directly involving 70 experts and more than 200 stakeholders, including representatives from national governments, regional government bodies, academia, regional and international agricultural organizations, civil society and donors.

The conservation and use of crop genetic diversity is crucial for the countries of this Region as they are facing major challenges for food security, including loss of unique and irreplaceable crop biodiversity. Project activities focus on 10 of the most important Mesoamerican crops for local and global food security with potential to generate income. A diagnosis on the status of conservation (ex situ and in situ), use, and relevant policies related to genepools of Zea, Phaseolus, Manihot, Ipomoea, Cucurbita, Amaranthus, Capsicum, Carica, Persea and Tripsacum had already been formulated. Ex situ and in situ analysis has included 384 species (26 cultivated and 358 wild).

This project’s framework will benefit farming communities by increasing their capacity to adapt to climate changes, diversify agricultural systems and dietary patterns through increased use of PGRFA diversity, and also substantially increase the capacity of decision makers in Mesoamerican countries to respond to food security challenges. The results and underlying principles of this SAP will be integrated in national policies and programs of the target countries in keeping with the commitment of the Council of Ministers of Agriculture of the Agricultural Council of Central America (CAC) in August 2013, which announced the unanimous support for this SAP, and recognized its notable contribution in providing Mesoamerican countries with access to the genetic resources needed to face the challenges of changing climate.

• Monitoring local climate change
• Enhancement of in-situ & ex situ PGRFA conservation strategies
• Identification of material with adaptive traits & enhancement of  pre-breeding
• Integration of PGRFA in food security & post-disaster response strategy
• Training & capacity building.