MEnA - PSAPP

12. Establishment of a Gene Bank in Palestine

Project Synopsis

Goal

Conserving via Ex-Situ techniques the seeds of wild species as well as cultivated crops and their wild relatives of Palestine.

Objective 1

Building a Gene Bank in Palestine.

Outputs

A feasibility report and plan detailed on the establishment of a National Gene Bank for Palestine.
A roster of biodiversity experts (both scientific and community –based) in Palestine.
A Palestinian Gene Bank endowed with both wild and domesticated genetic resources.

Activities:

PEnA and collaborating partners appoint a Gene Bank WGroup to carry out a feasibility study on the establishment of a National Gene Bank for Palestine. The study identifies a suitable location for the bank, as well as a detailed institutional, architectural and functional plan.
The Working Group identify biodiversity experts (both scientific and community-based) in Palestine and enlist their knowledge and skills for the identification and collection of genetic material.
The appointed authorities proceed to establish the Gene Bank, set in place the personnel and acquire/ restore/ reorganise the building, as appropriate.
The appointed staff (with the help of the identified biodiversity experts (proceed to collect, catalogue and store the genetic material to be preserved.

Objective 2

Management and monitoring of the established Gene Bank.

Outputs

Management plans for the Gene Bank.

Activities:

The appointed staff (with the help of the identified biodiversity experts (develops a management plan for each section of the gene bank, including standard management principles, care for factors affecting seed germination and storage, regulations for seed exchange and bulking, and on-going co-ordination with other regional and international gene banks.

Duration

Four years.

Estimated Budget Break-Down

Item	Year 1 US$	Year 2 US$	Year 3 US$	Year 4 US$
Staff
Project Manager	$26,000	$26,000	$26,000	$26,000
Assistant Manager	$19,500	$19,500	$19,500	$19,500
Short-term Consultant	$15,000	$15,000	$10,000	$10,000
Technical Staff (2)	$26,000	$26,000	$26,000	$26,000
Support Staff	$10,400	$10,400	$10,400	$10,400
Driver	$6,500	$6,500	$6,500	$6,500

Equipment
Vehicle	$35,000	$35,000	$0	$0
Office Equipment	$35,000	$25,000	$15,000	$5,000
Field Equipment	$50,000	$30,000	$20,000	$20,000

Training
Regional Training	$30,000	$30,000	$10,000	$10,000
Local Training	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000	$10,000
Awareness, Conferences, Workshops	$40,000	$30,000	$30,000	$30,000
Study tours, Visits	$15,000	$15,000	$15,000	$10,000

Operational Costs
Extension material	$15,000	$15,000	$15,000	$15,000
Communication	$10,000	$10,000	$10,000	$10,000
Local Travel	$8,000	$8,000	$8,000	$8,000

Reporting / Evaluation
Reporting and Publication	$25,000	$20,000	$25,000	$25,000
Project evaluation	$5,000	$5,000	$10,000	$10,000

Sub-Total	$391,400	$346,400	$276,400	$251,400
Total				$1,265,600

Table 17: Estimated Budget Breakdown for Project 12

Potential Partners

Relevant international experts, Local relevant experts, Palestinian Authority including Ministry of Planning and International Co-operation, Ministry of Agriculture, Palestinian Environmental Authority, Ministry of Education, and Local Municipalities, National and International Universities including Bethlehem University, Bir Zeit University, Al Najah University, Al Quds (Jerusalem) University and others, Palestinian NGOs, local communities and Donor/Funding Agency (to be identified).