DUBAI: On World Food Day on 16th Day, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) underscored its contributions to addressing global challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture. ICBA focuses on enhancing food security and agricultural productivity in saline and arid environments through science and innovation.
ICBA’s research themes focus on several critical areas: management of natural resources in arid and and saline environments, climate change modeling and adaptation, crop improvement and sustainable production, and integrated agri-aquaculture systems.These themes drive ICBA’s innovative approach to sustainable agriculture. The center has developed and introduced 24 technologies and crops in around 30 countries.
Located at its headquarters in Dubai, ICBA’s gene bank boasts one of the world’s largest collections of germplasm, resilient to drought, heat, and salinity, featuring over 17,000 accessions from approximately 325 plant species sourced from over 150 countries. Notably, i
t includes substantial collections of barley and quinoa, essential for research and breeding programs aimed at enhancing crop resilience and food security under changing climate conditions.
ICBA distributes these genetic resources globally, supporting scientific research and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, the gene bank plays a vital role in preserving plant diversity in the UAE, actively collecting and conserving local species to ensure their availability for future agricultural innovation and sustainability.
ICBA has trained over 19,000 participants through its capacity development programs, which include collaborative research, technical training, and internships. ICBA advances knowledge and skills with robust internship and training programs, preparing emerging scientists and agricultural professionals to tackle salinity and arid climate challenges. Supporting this, ICBA provides a rich array of open-source publications and books, supporting the scientific community and offering essential r
esources for policymakers in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
ICBA places significant emphasis on empowering youth and women in agriculture through initiatives like the Arab Women Leaders in Agriculture (AWLA), which fosters collaboration among women researchers in the Middle East and North Africa to tackle agricultural challenges. Additionally, the Women Alliance for Climate Action in Agriculture (WACAA), launched during COP28 targeting 1 million women, promotes climate-smart agricultural practices among women. ICBA also drives youth engagement through the ICBA Youth Engagement Society (ICBA YES), which connects young people globally to collaborate on food security and sustainability.
Complementing these efforts, the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) UAE 2023, organized and hosted by ICBA in collaboration with partners, serves as a pivotal platform that empowers young leaders to contribute to climate solutions, engage with experts, and develop effective strategies for sustainable develo
pment. This conference aligns closely with ICBA’s mission, bringing together around 200 participants to foster a global community committed to environmental action.
ICBA collaborates with over 70 organisations across 50 countries to address global food, water, and nutrition security challenges. Since establishment, ICBA has carried out research-for-development activities and programs in around 55 countries in Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, the South Caucasus, and sub-Saharan Africa.
ICBA continues to expand its global partnerships by actively participating in international forums focused on food security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These platforms provide opportunities for dialogue and collaboration with key stakeholders, allowing ICBA to share its expertise in developing data-driven strategies and innovative agricultural solutions tailored to specific regional challenges. ICBA is committed to fostering knowledge-sharing and innovation to address global food secur
ity challenges and support sustainable development.
Further solidifying its role as a catalyst for innovation, ICBA offers consultancy services to companies interested in testing their agricultural products or technologies in arid and saline environments. This is complemented by ICBA’s technologies testing platforms where solutions are scientifically validated to ensure their effectiveness and suitability for the region before wide-scale distribution.
ICBA’s 2034 strategic framework sets the goal of becoming a global hub for agricultural data intelligence in saline and arid environments. Through its continued focus on women’s empowerment, biodiversity conservation, and resilient agricultural systems, ICBA remains committed to addressing food security challenges in vulnerable regions.
On World Food Day, ICBA reaffirms its dedication to fostering sustainable food systems and supporting the communities most affected by food insecurity and climate change
Source: Emirates News Agency