Genebanks Accelerator Inception Report

The Genebanks Accelerator plays a foundational role in CGIAR’s 2025–2030 Portfolio, safeguarding and enabling access to the world’s most diverse collections of crop genetic resources. During the Inception Phase (September 2024–June 2025), the Program focused on translating its high-level vision into operational priorities while responding to funding constraints and aligning with partner and stakeholder feedback.

The high-level vision—to conserve and make available crop diversity in the most effective, equitable, and innovative ways—remains unchanged. However, practical adjustments were necessary. Due to delays and changes in the disbursement of core CGIAR funds as well as changes in the structure of the Accelerator (i.e., the proposal had been written for a Program), the Genebanks Accelerator concentrated its efforts on core Areas of Work (AoWs): AoW 1 (Biodiversity Conservation), AoW 3 (Genetic Resources Policy), and AoW 4 (Germplasm Health). These areas ensure compliance with global standards, sustain legally mandated conservation services, and maintain CGIAR’s role as a trusted global provider of germplasm.

In contrast, AoW 2 (Strategic User Engagement) and AoW 5 (Strengthening capacity for in situ and ex situ conservation globally) were considerably reduced and partially delayed, though significant groundwork was laid for scaling user-centric innovation, digital platform development, and regional partnerships.

A donor earmarked USD 1.26 million for AoW5, prompting a reallocation of USD 730,000 from other Areas of Work to match the investment and strengthen training and stakeholder engagement. Although necessary, the reallocation simply redirected cross-cutting activities and staff time already aligned with AoW5 goals. Since the earmark was announced at the end of the Inception Phase, there was limited time to adjust. Relevant activities from other AoWs were consolidated under the capacity strengthening component to align with donor requirements without altering the Accelerator’s overall Work Plan. This reallocation ensures timely delivery of AoW5 while maintaining collaboration and coherence across all AoWs.