DYNAVERSITY (European Union Horizon 2020 project)
This technical manual (Manual 1) offers practical guidance on establishing, managing and governing community seed banks (CSBs). Produced within the DYNAVERSITY Horizon 2020 project with support from the European Coordination Let’s Liberate Diversity!, the booklet summarizes the origins, functions and diversity of CSBs in Europe and provides step‑wise advice for practitioners. Key topics include identifying drivers and objectives, deciding what crops and varieties to conserve, sourcing healthy seed, cleaning, drying and storage practices, germination testing, regeneration and multiplication strategies, distribution approaches and associated legal/reciprocity considerations, budgeting and funding options, outreach and innovation (including participatory breeding and seed fairs), and governance models such as associations or trust funds. The manual also includes examples from European initiatives, a glossary and recommended readings to support CSB practitioners and networks.
Key topics: community seed banks, seed saving, seed storage, seed distribution, governance, agrobiodiversity, participatory plant breeding
