Cuban research institute joins project to preserve phytogenetic resources

HAVANA, Cuba, Mar 16 (ACN) The Alexander de Humboldt Institute for Fundamental Research in Tropical Agriculture (INIFAT by its Spanish acronym) is part of the international project Biodiversity for the family and development, with the aim of supporting the conservation of phytogenetic resources, a specialized source said.

Lianne Fernandez Granda, head of the department of Phytogenetic Resources of INIFAT, told the Cuban News Agency that the project seeks the efficient and effective conservation of plant genetic material to ensure that products reach all consumers.

Fernandez Granda added that Biodiversity for the family and development is financed by the Norwegian fund and supported by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

She noted that it contributes to one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the role of Inifat in the project, as it is the body that coordinates the activity of plant genetic resources in Cuba, with 15 institutions.

The project will last 10 years and the first international meeting of its member countries will be held next May, she also said.

There are 15 nations that are part of Biodiversity for the family and development, among them, three from Latin America: Cuba, Peru and Ecuador, the expert continued.

INIFAT has helped Cuban agriculture with studies of more than 160 varieties used in food production.