International Cooperation

Global Partnerships

The Israel Gene Bank participates actively in the international community of gene banks and plant genetic resource conservation initiatives. Through these collaborations, we contribute to global efforts to protect plant diversity and ensure food security for future generations.

International Networks

We are active members of key international networks focused on plant genetic resources conservation:

  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)
  • Global Crop Diversity Trust
  • CGIAR Centers
  • European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR)

Regional Collaboration

We work closely with gene banks and research centers in neighboring countries and the Mediterranean region:

  • Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM-IAMB)
  • International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
  • European plant genetic resources collections
  • North African and Middle Eastern gene banks

International Projects

Svalbard Global Seed Vault Deposits

The Israel Gene Bank regularly deposits safety duplicates of its most important seed collections in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, as part of the global strategy for the long-term security of the world's food crops.

Crop Wild Relatives Project

In collaboration with the Global Crop Diversity Trust, we participate in international efforts to collect, conserve, and utilize the wild relatives of important crops, with a focus on species native to the Eastern Mediterranean region.

International Research Collaborations

Our scientists collaborate with researchers worldwide on studies of plant diversity, adaptation to climate change, and the development of improved crop varieties. These collaborations result in shared publications, joint grant proposals, and exchange of scientific expertise.

Knowledge Exchange

We actively participate in international knowledge sharing:

  • Hosting international workshops and training sessions
  • Staff exchanges with partner gene banks
  • Development of shared databases and information systems
  • Contribution to international scientific publications

International Agreements

We operate within the framework of key international agreements:

  • International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
  • Convention on Biological Diversity
  • Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing
  • Bilateral agreements with specific countries and institutions

Material Exchange

The Israel Gene Bank facilitates the international exchange of plant genetic resources for research, breeding, and conservation purposes, in accordance with relevant international treaties and national legislation. We provide and receive plant materials through formal Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) that ensure appropriate recognition and use.

Access to Our Collections

International researchers and institutions can request access to our collections for non-commercial research, breeding, and educational purposes. All requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the terms of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture or other applicable agreements.