Kazakhstan, a country blessed with rich forest resources, is taking strides towards safeguarding its natural heritage through the establishment of a genetic seed bank for forest species. Spearheaded by the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in collaboration with the World Bank, this initiative aims to combat deforestation and enhance biodiversity conservation efforts across the nation.
Over the past few decades, Kazakhstan has grappled with the depletion of its forests and the subsequent loss of biodiversity. Recognizing the critical role of forest seeds in ecosystem restoration, the World Bank launched a project for sustainable landscape restoration in Kazakhstan. Central to this endeavor is the creation of a genetic seed bank, which serves as a repository of plant genetic material essential for preserving species diversity and genetic integrity.
The seed bank houses a diverse collection of seeds from various forest species sourced from different regions of Kazakhstan. These include 46 species of woody plants listed in the Red Book, indicating their rarity and uniqueness, as well as other species crucial for ecosystem stability and landscape rehabilitation efforts.
Yerlan Kutpanbayev, Deputy Chairman of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of conserving these plant species, highlighting their role in long-term landscape sustainability and resilience against environmental challenges such as land degradation and climate change.
Supported by the World Bank, the project has facilitated the establishment of the material and technical infrastructure necessary for the seed bank's operations. This includes the procurement of vehicles, instruments, and equipment for seed processing, as well as the setup of laboratory facilities for seed testing and storage.
Under the guidance of project manager E. Muratov, the laboratory has developed innovative techniques for obtaining virus-free, genetically homogeneous planting material using microcloning methods. Additionally, a gene bank has been established for various tree and shrub species, ensuring the preservation of genetic diversity under controlled conditions.
Furthermore, the project has led to the development of advanced technologies for growing tree species such as turanga poplars with closed root systems, enhancing the resilience and adaptability of forest ecosystems.
Kazakhstan's commitment to forest restoration, exemplified by its pledge to restore 1.5 mn hectares of forests by 2030 as part of the Bonn Challenge, underscores the significance of initiatives like the genetic seed bank. By storing genetic material from diverse regions, the seed bank enhances the effectiveness of landscape restoration programs, ensuring the selection of seed varieties tailored to specific ecosystems.
In the global context, Kazakhstan's endeavor adds to the network of seed banks worldwide aimed at preserving plant biodiversity. With over 1,000 seed banks operating globally, Kazakhstan's initiative contributes to the collective efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
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