Egypt's Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) head, Adel Abdel Azim, met with UNESCO Regional Office Director in Cairo, Nuria Sanz, on Monday to discuss expanding cooperation in the preservation of Egypt's plant genetic resources, according to an official statement. The meeting, held under the direction of Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk, is part of efforts to deepen scientific and cultural ties with international organizations and enhance Egypt's collaboration with UNESCO in key areas of environmental and agricultural development. The discussions focused on documenting, conserving, and promoting Egypt's unique plant species and genetic resources to protect biodiversity and safeguard rare or endangered varieties. This initiative is essential for ensuring ecosystem sustainability and aiding communities in adapting to future environmental challenges. Both sides agreed that plant genetic resources are integral to Egypt's cultural and historical identity, underscoring their significance in preserving the country's heritage. The initiative also aligns with global efforts to ensure biodiversity conservation. In addition to plant preservation, the meeting addressed the development of Egypt's Agricultural Museum, with a focus on safeguarding its historical collections and enhancing its exhibition techniques. The goal is to position the museum as a leading center for agricultural heritage, knowledge, and innovation, making it a prominent educational and cultural destination for both local and international visitors. Abdel Azim reaffirmed ARC's commitment to strengthening its cooperation with UNESCO, particularly in the fields of scientific research and the sustainable use of genetic resources. These efforts, he noted, are crucial for improving crop resilience, boosting agricultural productivity, and enhancing Egypt's food security and export competitiveness. He also highlighted the pivotal role of ARC's National Gene Bank, which documents, stores, and preserves a wide range of Egypt's plant, animal, and microbial genetic resources, serving as a key reference for biodiversity conservation. Sanz commended Egypt's efforts in preserving its agricultural heritage and expressed UNESCO's continued interest in strengthening cooperation to promote Egypt's agricultural history on the global stage. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
