BSF project "Establishment of a preliminary network of community seed banks in vulnerable regions of Guatemala to provide seed in the event of a natural disaster"

" Establishment of a preliminary network of community seed banks in vulnerable regions of Guatemala to provide seed in the event of a natural disaster" is one of the projects supported by the Benefit-Sharing Fund of the International Treaty for Food and Agriculture (Second Cycle). Guatemala is among the world’s top 10 countries in terms of vulnerability to natural disasters. Models predict that small-scale farmers, particularly those engaged in rain-fed agricultural practices, will be the most affected. Activities to safeguard genetic diversity in Guatemala and guarantee material for base broadening activities are being carried out by conserving local biodiversity in seed banks. This BSF project will promote in situ and ex-situ conservation of agricultural biodiversity and build synergies between Universities, the National Institute for Agricultural Research, NGOs, women’s associations, farmers groups and international organizations.