Discussing solutions to preserve and develop precious and rare genetic resources of Nghe An

The workshop took place on the morning of June 29 in Vinh City. Photo: Quang An

Precious resource

Implementing the framework project of genetic resource conservation tasks from 2014-2020, Nghe An has collected 40 precious and rare genetic resources, which are valuable resources of crops, livestock and medicinal herbs, not only valuable in terms of scientific research but also of great value in socio-economic development in the localities where the genetic resources are located.

Over the past 6 years, the Provincial People's Committee has approved the addition of 17 rare and precious medicinal and food plant gene sources to the list, contributing to the conservation and development of some gene sources at risk of being lost; restoring and protecting some prioritized gene sources, gene sources that are decreasing in quantity in production, especially some rare gene sources of some indigenous plant varieties and rare medicinal plant varieties such as Puxailaileng ginseng, codonopsis, yellow flower tea, etc.

In particular, from the results of conserving genetic resources of crops, livestock and medicinal herbs, some precious and endemic medicinal herbs of Nghe An have been exploited, developed and created commercial products, such as the yellow tea tree Que Phong, Gymnema Sylvestre, Gynostemma pentaphyllum..., from processed products have contributed to increasing the value and economic efficiency of medicinal genetic resources.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Cong Hoat - Ministry of Science and Technology speaking at the workshop. Photo: Quang An

Linking conservation with commercial product development

Speaking at the conclusion of the workshop, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Bui Dinh Long emphasized: It is necessary to look at the existing problems of the period 2014-2020 in order to have solutions to overcome them in the coming time. That is the number of precious and rare genetic resources at risk of extinction in Nghe An that need to be preserved as well as the objects of precious and rare indigenous medicinal genetic resources that have been discovered to be included in the list. In particular, currently the work of conserving genetic resources only focuses on collecting, conserving, and storing genetic resources, but has not done much research and evaluation of genetic resources.
While facilities and human resources for this work are limited, funding still depends heavily on the state budget.

The science and technology sector and related localities need to have solutions to mobilize the participation and cooperation of other economic sectors, especially creating funding sources from the activities of preserving and exploiting medicinal genetic resources.
In addition, each locality must develop detailed plans to determine priorities for developing medicinal species that the locality has advantages in. Promote the combination of conservation with exploitation, development and trial production into commercial products.

Comrade Bui Dinh Long requested that the province's genetic resources not be lost. Photo: Quang An

Preserve and develop gene pool

“It is necessary to continue investigating and supplementing the genetic resources of rare and precious specialties in many areas. Continue to preserve, maintain, exploit and develop the genetic resources that have been included in the list, ensuring the provision of starting materials for genetic research and breeding. Prevent the loss of genetic resources in nature as well as in production.

At the same time, develop plans and strategies for the conservation of animal, plant and microbial genetic resources. Localities, especially the Western districts, must soon have a comprehensive plan and specific actions in the management, conservation and exploitation of genetic resources in the coming time" - Comrade Bui Dinh Long emphasized.
At the workshop, a lot of information was also discussed such as: Evaluation of the results of implementing the project on the framework of gene pools at the ministerial and provincial levels; results and solutions for research, conservation, exploitation and development of medicinal plant genetic resources, crop genetic resources; maintenance, evaluation and development of genetic resources of food plants, fruit trees and aquatic products.

Golden flower tea, a specialty of Que Phong Nghe An. Photo courtesy

In the 40 rare genetic resources investigated and collected from 2014 to present in Nghe An, in the group of medicinal plants there are: genes of Mu Tun, yellow flower tea, Dang Sam, Que Quy, medicinal plant Ba Kich... In the group of food plants there are: genes of fragrant rice Khau Chao Hom, Khau Cham Lao, and sticky rice. The group of livestock genetic resources currently includes the Thanh Chuong buffalo gene pool, Con Cuong buffalo duck gene pool, Muong Long horse gene pool, and the H'Mong people's bald-necked chicken gene pool... According to the Vietnam Red Book, there is 1 species at the very endangered level, 9 species at the endangered level and 9 species at the near-endangered level). According to Decree 32/2006 of the Government, there are 2 species in group IA, 6 species in group IIA. And according to the Red List of medicinal plants, there is 1 species at the very endangered level, 9 species at the endangered level and 12 species at the near-endangered level.