Work continues on the “RE Unlocking the Caucasus Tree Seed Bank (Azerbaijan)” project for 2022-2027, implemented by the Institute of Botany, MSERA and the Millennium Seed Bank (MSB), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Dr. Simon Kallow, Conservation Partnership Coordinator for the Millennium Seed Bank (MSB), visited the Institute of Botany. The purpose of the visit was to assess the work carried out on the project in question and the activities of the Institute's Seed Bank according to MSB's Seed Conservation Standards. The meeting, which was attended by the General Director of the Institute of Botany, MSERA, professor Sayyara Ibadullayeva, employees of the Seed Bank Sector, and Dr. Simon Kallow, discussed the Institute’s scientific research directions, international relations, and joint projects.

An exchange of views was held on endemic, rare and medicinal plants of the Azerbaijan’s flora. S. Ibadullayeva provided the guest with detailed information about the research conducted to produce the books “Flora of Karabakh” and “Flora of Azerbaijan” compiled by the Institute’s scientists.

Dr. Simon Kallow conducted an on-site assessment of the Institute's Seed Bank activities in terms of compliance with standards. The assessment process was conducted on the basis of the submitted work on seed collection, processing, storage and documentation. Existing opportunities and needs were discussed, and a strategy for the development of mutual cooperation was determined.

The guest also got acquainted with the herbarium specimens belonging to local and foreign flora stored in the Institute’s Herbarium Fund and their storage conditions.

As a result of the visit, a final report will be developed by MSB and recommendations will be presented to the Institute of Botany based on both the database results and on-site discussions.