How is the UAE preserving every plant and seed for the next 100 years?

Through the Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC) in Al Ain, the UAE is ensuring the long-term survival of its native flora by collecting, sequencing, and storing seeds of every known plant species — from coastal grasses to desert shrubs. Operated by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, this high-tech facility launched in March 2024 and houses labs, greenhouses, and freezers where specialists manually clean, catalog, and preserve seeds, including iconic species like the ghaf tree and grey mangrove. It’s a mission that involves time-sensitive field collection, delicate DNA extraction, and long-term storage — all to safeguard the country’s ecological future. Do you believe seed preservation efforts like this are vital to combating climate change and biodiversity loss? Share your thoughts.

Add your Comment:


+