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In 1994, the IOC launched a network of banks in the countries of the European Union. This network has gradually expanded to a total of 23 banks, housing over 1 700 varieties. This network is composed of 3 international banks – Cordoba (Spain), Marrakech (Morocco) and Izmir (Turkey) – and 20 national banks (Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, State of Palestine, Portugal, Slovenia, Tunisia and Uruguay).
The Bank of Syria is also part of the network, although it is not currently active due to the difficult political situation in the country. Georgia, a new member of IOC, will soon join the Network, as will all new countries that join IOC.
Following the Council of Members’ authorisation at the 110th session to establish mechanisms for phytosanitary surveillance and management, the ES will organise the second phase of training on the phytosanitary management of the germplasm banks of the IOC network, in collaboration with the World Germplasm Collection in Marrakech, the UCO University team and Prof. Luis Rallo. This training will take place in October 2020 and be available to those responsible for collections. In case the course cannot be held face-to-face due to covid-19, it will be postponed to 2021.
