One of the important aims of the CGIAR and the Platform is to “increase conservation”. This is a tricky target to reach if we can’t measure what diversity is conserved. The Platform enables the CGIAR genebanks to better articulate what diversity they conserve and to identify the gaps in the collections.
Breeders and climate change experts are also working with the Platform to identify the traits that they deem most relevant to adapting agriculture to future conditions. CIAT and ICARDA researchers take those priorities and use geographical information systems to identify the most efficient places to collect. Genebanks then partner with national organisations to undertake collecting missions, filling the gaps.
Through the gap analysis, as information about accessions is collated and expanded, the existing crop conservation strategies will be updated to reflect the latest understanding.