SRCA Hosts Meeting With Experts From Czech and Romania

Georgia: The Director of the Scientific and Research Center of Agricultural (SRCA) and Scientific and National Coordinator of Plant Genetic Resources in Georgia, Levan Ujmajuridze held a working meeting with the representatives of Czech and Romanian National Gene Banks. SRCA shared details and glimpses of the meeting on its official Facebook account on May 5, 2025 (Monday).

The meeting was held for the purpose of long-term cooperation in accordance with European standards. Both the parties discussed the current situation (basic, active, working) in the national gene banks of three countries – Georgia, Romania and Czech Republic. They also analyzed the infrastructural possibilities for these banks.

During the meeting, experts from Czech and Romanian Voitek Holubek, Dagmar Yanovska, Sylvia Strageru, as well as Deputy Director of the Center Nodar Khatiashvili, Head of Certification and Standards Service, Genbank Manager Tamar Jinjikhadze and employees of relevant service were present. 

They talked in detail about the national strategy of genetic resources conservation. The delegates also shared the long-term importance of Akhvi, Genbank’s modern infrastructure and research processes. They also discussed their future plans for employment in the banks.

Furthermore, the delegates agreed on deepening trilateral cooperation and the decision was taken to hold a further working meeting. The next meeting will be held in Prague, at the Czech National Genbank in May this year.

Moreover, the experts from Czech Republic and Romania visited the Laboratories of Agricultural, Scientific and Research Center. They checked for Standards, Certification, Textile Culture (In-Vitro), Seed Storage of One-Year crops. They also inspected field collections, learned about seed storage, processing and quality control processes.

Integrated System of European Gene Banks (AEGIS)

Notably, the visit of Czech and Romanian specialists to Georgia was carried out within the framework of the Integrated System of European Gene Banks (AEGIS). Georgia is a full member of this system.

Together with the membership of AEGIS, Georgia actively participates in the protection of genetic resources of plants. Georgia is also part of the international sharing of knowledge. This  ensures the preservation and development of biodiversity of strategic importance for the country.