The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), in partnership with the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute (KOAGI) and the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV), is committed to strengthening seed conservation capacity across Asia. The AFoCO-KOAGI “Keep Eternally Your Seeds for Future (KEYS for Future)” Program, is designed to enhance the genetic resource management capabilities of member countries. A key feature of this program is the opportunity to deposit seeds at BGSV the world’s only permanent storage facility dedicated to wild plant seeds, built to endure both natural and human-induced disasters.
This two-week intensive program, held from 9 to 20 June 2025, introduced participants to the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum (BDNA), managed by the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute (KoAGI) a public organization under the Korea Forest Service established to oversee national arboreta in diverse climates, promote the garden industry, and revitalize garden culture. The BDNA and the Global Seed Vault were established in 2018.
Technical Training for Conservation Professionals
The 2025 KEYS Program provided in-depth technical training through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, and fieldwork. Participants explored the conservation of wild plant seeds and research at BDNA, combining both theoretical and practical aspects at the seed bank facilities and laboratories.
They gained hands-on field experience collecting seeds and plant specimens and learning proper specimen collection methods. Through practical and interactive activities, participants engaged directly with Korea’s native tree species.
From seed collection to seed bank storage, they learned to assess seed quality by examining vitality and storage characteristics. Participants were involved in the entire process, including seed cleaning, packaging, and preparation for storage. They also conducted germination tests using the Tetrazolium (TZ) method and performed multi-spectral imaging analysis with the VideometerLab4.
Securing a Sustainable Future through Seed Conservation and Research
Securing a sustainable future requires the conservation and collection of wild plant seeds. Participants engaged in advanced seed quality assessment techniques, gaining hands-on experience with various germination testing methods to strengthen their professional skills.
The program also highlighted the importance of research and industrial application through forest bioresource-based extraction. Participants conducted antioxidant testing in the laboratory and explored how these bioresources can be utilized and commercialized through technology-driven collaboration.
Specialized Training Components
- Specimen and seed collection methodologies in the forest
- Vegetative propagation techniques to support restoration of native tree species
- Korea introduced plant propagation techniques specifically aimed at conserving wild tree species. Participants gained practical experience by engaging in vegetative propagation activities in the nursery, enhancing their skills in supporting species restoration efforts.
- Usability research and antioxidant analysis utilizing forest bioresources
Cultural Immersion and Relationship Building
In addition to technical training, participants had the opportunity to experience Korea’s rich cultural heritage, including a visit to Andong’s traditional hanok village and sampling of authentic Korean cuisine. These moments helped foster strong professional relationships and a spirit of regional solidarity.
2025 KEYS Program provided participants with critical technical knowledge and practical experience, from mastering the blackbox packaging method and seed quarantine procedures to developing national seed conservation action plans. These components not only strengthened participants’ capacity to manage international seed transport safely and effectively but also supported the creation of strategic frameworks tailored to their national contexts. Through these efforts, the program contributed to a unified regional approach to conserving tree genetic diversity, aligned with the formalization of the AFoCO Seed Management Working Group. By combining hands-on training, strategic planning, and collaborative dialogue, the KEYS Program established a robust platform for sustained cooperation and leadership in seed conservation across Asia.
Messages from 2025 KEYS program participants
Contributed by Sena Aomjitr, Fellowship Official, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team
