Doha, June 01 (QNA) - 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.

The ministry said that since its establishment in 2012, the Qatar Gene Bank has preserved 11.37 million seeds representing around 75 percent of Qatar's wild plant varieties.

It has also documented 1,404 genetic accessions and conducted more than 1,200 field missions across the country and its nature reserves.

Additional achievements include registering 894 Qatari genetic resource accessions in internationally recognized databases, preserving 3,500 standard herbarium specimens, and training 100 local participants through 20 regional and international courses totaling 600 training hours.

The ministry added 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. (QNA)