Global Arab Network | Tunisia .. preservation of animal genetic resources

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Tunisia .. preservation of animal genetic resources

Global Arab Network - - Mohamed Tamer

Saturday, 02 May 2009 21:13

The establishment of gene banks particularly in developing countries has become a necessity today as a result of the negative effects of the degradation of animal genetic resources.

The disappearance of animal species has become a concern, especially since many genetic resources are lost before that their characteristics are studied and their potential evaluated.

This problem was discussed in the context of an international workshop on the development of animal cryobanks which held in Tunis.

Experts and researchers from 25 countries addressed, during this three-day workshop, the training of scientists involved in activities of gene banks (cryopreservation, collection and databases), preparation of a guide on "good practices" of cryobanks to be disseminated on a large scale and establishment of an international network of animal cryobanks.

Tunisia Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Nadhir Hamada underlined the efforts exerted by Tunisia in this area which helped so far identify nearly 6 thousand plant and animal species, including 800 continental animal species and 300 bird races.

He reminded of the creation of the National Genes Bank whose main mission is to preserve plant and animal genetic resources.

The conference is held by the National Genes Bank, in association with the Animal Germplasm Programme of the United States Department of Agriculture, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Centre of Genetic Resources of the Netherlands (CGN) and the International Centre of Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICRADA).

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