GCC Delegation Visits Plant Genetic Resources Centre in Abu Dhabi

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), together with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, welcomed a group of visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to the Plant Genetic Resources Centre in Al Ain. The goal of the visit was to show the latest ways to protect and save plant species.

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The Plant Genetic Resources Centre is the first of its kind in the region and opened earlier this year. The center is managed by the EAD and focuses on preserving many types of plants, especially those important to the UAE. It covers 20,000 square meters and can store over 600 wild plant species. The center can hold up to 20,000 plant samples.

The visit was part of a plan to help GCC countries share ideas and work together on protecting nature and plants. The center helps save the UAE’s plant life and shows Abu Dhabi’s growing role in protecting plant species. It also supports global efforts to save plants.

The group was guided by Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, along with other officials. The tour started at the educational area, where visitors learned about the value of local plants and how the center works to protect them. The center has ten interactive displays created by international companies. There is also a library with information on how to conserve plants and preserve seeds.

Next, the group visited the seed testing laboratory, where plant samples were checked for quality and readiness to be stored. The lab uses special equipment to make sure the testing is done properly. Then, they saw the Imaging Lab, where plant species are carefully documented and classified to help researchers.

They also visited the herbarium, where plant samples are kept and organized in a database for scientific use. Another part of the tour showed the seed bank, which stores plants at a very low temperature (-20°C) to keep them safe for up to 100 years. The group also learned about the genetic lab, where scientists study the DNA of local plants to help in conservation and restore habitats.

The final stop was the 1,000-square-meter greenhouse, which represents five main natural areas of the UAE: coast, sand dunes, valleys, mountains, and flat deserts. The greenhouse has over 60 different types of plants from these areas. It is used for teaching and to help protect these plants.

Since opening in March 2024, the center has preserved over 500 seed samples from 105 plant species. It also has 4,000 plant specimens in its herbarium, representing 668 species. The center has also cryogenically frozen 100 plant samples to keep them safe for future use. The genetic study of six local plants has been completed, and they have gathered 14 fungi samples.

The center is also designed to be energy-efficient. It has a Pearl 2 rating for sustainability from the Abu Dhabi Building Sustainability System. Solar panels provide more than 30% of the energy used, and the building uses natural materials like terracotta to help keep it cool. It also uses natural light to reduce energy use and local plants for irrigation to save water.

The Plant Genetic Resources Centre is helping preserve the UAE’s plant life and supports efforts to protect plants all over the world. It also shows Abu Dhabi’s commitment to protecting nature and supporting sustainability.

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