Santiago, Chile – A collaborative effort between the Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA) and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is offering a unique opportunity for professionals involved in biodiversity conservation. Applications are now open for an International Course on Seed Conservation Techniques, scheduled to take place in April 2026. The course blends online theoretical instruction with hands-on practical sessions in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, aiming to bolster expertise in seed preservation under internationally recognized standards.
The initiative responds to a growing need for skilled professionals dedicated to safeguarding plant genetic resources. With limited spaces available, the course is specifically designed for individuals working in conservation, ecological restoration, and the management of seed banks. Participants will gain valuable knowledge and practical skills contributing to both national ex situ conservation goals and broader ecological restoration efforts.
Course Curriculum and Structure
The program’s curriculum covers a comprehensive range of topics essential for effective seed conservation. Key areas of focus include ex situ conservation methodologies, the management of germplasm banks, seed collection planning and execution, post-harvest handling, processing and storage techniques, quality and viability monitoring, and the management of associated data. According to INIA, the course aims to equip participants with the tools necessary to implement best practices in seed preservation.
The course is structured in two phases. Theoretical components will be delivered online from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 and 12:00 hours, from April 6th to 16th, 2026. Practical sessions are scheduled for April 21st and 22nd, featuring a seed collection excursion in the Río Clarillo National Park and laboratory work at INIA La Platina, located in the La Pintana commune of Santiago. The course will be conducted in Spanish.
Registration Details and Costs
The cost of the course is 420,000 Chilean pesos. Registration includes academic materials, access to presentations, and a printed copy of the Manual de recolección y procesamiento de semillas de especies forestales (Bulletin INIA N° 280). Participants will also receive transportation and meals during the practical field and laboratory sessions. Although, accommodation and travel to and from Santiago are not included in the registration fee. The application deadline is March 13, 2026, and applications must be submitted online through the official application form.
INIA La Platina, a regional research center, plays a crucial role in generating and transferring knowledge and technologies for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, particularly focusing on horticulture and fruit growing in central Chile. The center boasts over 30 researchers and a comprehensive agro-livestock library, as detailed on the INIA La Platina website.
The Importance of Seed Conservation
Seed conservation is increasingly recognized as a vital component of global biodiversity protection. Seed banks, like those managed through partnerships such as the one between INIA and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, serve as crucial repositories of plant genetic diversity, safeguarding species against extinction and providing resources for future research and restoration efforts. The Millennium Seed Bank Partnership, a global initiative led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, aims to conserve 25% of the world’s plant species by 2020, a goal that continues to drive international collaboration in seed conservation.
Looking ahead, the success of this course and similar initiatives will be critical in building a network of skilled professionals dedicated to preserving plant diversity. Continued investment in seed conservation research and training will be essential to address the challenges posed by climate change, habitat loss, and other threats to global biodiversity.
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Disclaimer: This article provides information about an educational course and is not intended to provide professional advice. For specific guidance on seed conservation techniques, please consult with qualified experts.
