1. 1 Challenges in Maintaining Ex- Situ Field Gene Banks of Orchards Crops and Root Crops Seychelles Mermedah Moustache Director Plant Genetic Resources Development Section Tel: (248) 378252 / 378712 Fax: (248) 378428 Email: pgr@seychelles.net

2. 2 Introduction Seychelles is 4 degrees south of the equator Hot, Humid, Low land tropical climate

3. 3 Ex-situ field gene banks lie on the coastal plateau Characterised by sandy soil

4. 4 Conservation programme keep a variety of species Varieties with different attributes are conserved

5. 5 Propagation The field gene bank is used for the propagation of healthy planting material.

6. 6 Plants are sold at subsidized prices to the public

7. 7 Housing in the PGRFA conservation is a major limitation.

8. 8 “Every home a garden” A concept for the Involvement of Civil Society in PGRFA conservation

9. 9 Cottage Industry development will help to encourage sustainable use and conservation of traditional neglected crops

10. 10 Thank you