The genebank of the University of Abomey-Calavi (CalaviGen) is is a key technical platform within the Genetics, Biotechnology, and Seed Science Unit. Established in 2015, CalaviGen plays a crucial role in supporting the plant genetic resources conservation policy of the University. The genebank is currently managed by a team comprising a manager, a data scientist, a curator, and two assistant curators, all operating under the guidance and authority of the Unit Director. The UAC genebank stands as a platform to i) safeguard plant genetic resources of any origin of the world, ii) promote and facilitate the access to genetic resources by end-users (e.g., students, farmers, breeders, researchers, policy-makers) from various governmental and non-governmental organizations, ii) conduct robust research on its existing accessions and collections to enable informed utilization. CalaviGen is currently the largest genebank in Benin with more than 20,000 accessions of more than 70 different species including more than 50 vegetable crops. It is globally connected to the SVALBARD genebank and the World Vegetable Center genebank. CalaviGen offers the following services: assistance in collecting mission planning; assistance in germplasm collection; and germplasm storage in its facilities.
