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With the support of FAO, a documentary film on the protection of plant genetic resources is being made in Georgia

The documentary, prepared in collaboration with the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture and international partners, depicts the processes of protecting agrobiodiversity, researching and conserving plant genetic resources in the country.

Filming has already been completed at the Tsilkani and Jighaura bases of the Scientific- Research Center, at the Center's seed laboratory and gene bank, as well as on farmers' plots in Kakheti and Samtskhe-Javakheti municipalities, where conservation of traditional varieties is underway.

The documentary aims to raise awareness about Georgia's agrobiodiversity at the international level and to demonstrate the role of local genetic resources in the development of sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.

In the film, the audience will see unique footage that depicts Georgia's participation in one of the most symbolic platforms for the protection of international genetic resources — the process and its significance of placing Georgian samples in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

"This documentary film is an important platform through which the steps taken by Georgia in the protection and promotion of genetic resources will become known at the global level. The film shows the country's role in the ongoing processes in the world, which further strengthens our position in international scientific and practical cooperation," said Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture.

As part of the documentary, the center was visited by Cindy Cote-Andreetti, Technical Officer of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), and Thomas Nicholson, a representative of National Geographic. Interviews were recorded for the film with Levan Ujmajuridze and Gene bank Manager Tamar Jinjikhadze.

,,Georgia is a country distinguished by its agrobiodiversity, and it is important that the international community learn about our unique genetic resources and the practices of their protection. This film is a bridge between our experience and global needs," - noted Tamar Jinjikhadze.

The documentary material will be presented at the meeting of the Governing Body of the UN International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), which will be held in Lima, Peru, in November 2025.

The film is being made within the framework of an international project -“Strengthening linkages between in-situ/on-farm and ex-situ conservation of local PGRFA from Georgia and use for adaptation to climate change”.