Cooperation in Israel

National Partnerships

The Israel Gene Bank works closely with numerous institutions across Israel to fulfill its mission of conserving and promoting the country's plant genetic resources. Through these collaborations, we build a stronger national framework for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

Research Institutions

We maintain active research partnerships with leading Israeli universities and research centers, including:

  • The Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Faculty of Agriculture
  • Tel Aviv University - Botanical Garden and Institute for Cereal Crops Improvement
  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev - Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research
  • Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) - Volcani Center
  • Israel Institute for Biological Research
  • Weizmann Institute of Science

National Conservation Agencies

We collaborate closely with national conservation bodies to align our work with broader environmental protection efforts:

  • Israel Nature and Parks Authority
  • Ministry of Environmental Protection
  • Jewish National Fund (JNF/KKL)
  • Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel

Agricultural Sector

Our work supports and is supported by Israel's agricultural sector:

  • Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
  • Extension Service (Shaham)
  • Agricultural Cooperatives and Farming Communities
  • Israel Plant Breeders' Association
  • Israeli Seed Companies

Botanical Gardens

We work with botanical gardens across Israel to conserve and display the country's plant diversity:

  • Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
  • Tel Aviv University Botanical Garden
  • Haifa University Botanical Garden
  • Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve

Key Collaborative Projects

National Biodiversity Monitoring Program

A collaborative effort with the Nature and Parks Authority and academic institutions to monitor changes in plant biodiversity across Israel's diverse ecosystems, with special attention to endemic and endangered species.

Israeli Crop Wild Relatives Conservation Initiative

Working with agricultural research institutions to identify, collect, and conserve wild relatives of important crops that are native to Israel, focusing on their potential for climate resilience and food security.

Traditional Knowledge Documentation

Collaboration with community elders, ethnobotanists, and cultural institutions to document traditional knowledge about plant uses, cultivation practices, and cultural significance.

Education and Outreach

The Israel Gene Bank partners with educational institutions at all levels to promote awareness about plant genetic resources and their importance:

  • Curriculum development for schools with the Ministry of Education
  • Workshop programs for farmers and agricultural professionals
  • University student internships and research opportunities
  • Public awareness campaigns and citizen science initiatives