The data for this indicator comes from the Icelandic Genetic Resource Council

Plant genetic material is preserved in the NordGen seedbank. A total of 12 plant species of 352 varieties are preserved , mostly grass species but also Lyme, Turnips and Barley. Furthermore two species are preserved as clones, two varieties of potatoes and seven varieties of rhubarb.

A total of eight animal genetic resources are preserved: Cattle, two varieties of Sheep, Horses, Goats, Hens and Dogs.

A nationwide plan for protection of genetic resources in Icelandic nature and agriculture is available here

This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Iceland statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Icelandic statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Icelandic-specific metadata information.

Indicator available

Number of plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in either minimum or long-term conservation facilites
Geographical coverage

Iceland
Unit of measurement

Number of genetic resources secured
Definitions

The conservation of plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (GRFA) in medium or long term conservation facilities (ex situ in gene banks) represents the most trusted means of conserving genetic resources worldwide. Plant and animal GRFA conserved in these facilities can be easily used in breeding programmes as well, even directly on-farm. The measure of trends in ex situ conserved materials provides an overall assessment of the extent to which we are managing to maintain and/or increase the total genetic diversity available for future use and thus protected from any permanent loss of genetic diversity which may occur in the natural habitat, i.e. in situ, or on-farm. The two components of the indicator, plant and animal GRFA, are separately counted. Plant genetic resources - The plant component is calculated as the number of accessions of plant genetic resources secured in conservation facilities under medium or long term conditions, where an ‘accession’ is defined as a distinct sample of seeds, planting materials or plants which is maintained in a gene bank. Gene bank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture set the benchmark for current scientific and technical best practices for conserving plant genetic resources, and support key international policy instruments for the conservation and use of plant genetic resources. These voluntary standards have been endorsed by the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture at its Fourteenth Regular Session.
Comments and limitations

Data follows the UN specification for this indicator. This indicator has been identified in collaboration with topic experts.

This table provides information on metadata for SDG indicators as defined by the UN Statistical Commission. Complete global metadata is provided by the UN Statistics Division.

Indicator name

Number of plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in either medium or long-term conservation facilities
Target number

2.5
UN designated tier

1
UN custodian agency

Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
Link to UN metadata United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Metadata (PDF 334 KB) opens in a new window
Organisation

Icelandic Genetic Resource Council
Periodicity

Annual
Geographical coverage

Iceland
Link to data source Nationwide plan for the protection of genetic resources in Icelandic nature and agriculture opens in a new window
Statistical classification

Non-Official Statistic
Contact details

birna@lbhi.is
Other information

These data are from the Icelandic Genetic Resource Council that is responsible for securing genetic resources that are important for Icelandic nature and agriculture. The councils assessment is that all key agricultural genetic resources are adequately secured in medium- or long-term conservation facilites.
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