The "Niğde Province Genetic Resources Awareness Project Introduction Meeting and Genetic Resources Panel," organized by the Genetic Resources Club and hosted by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, was held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Amphitheater of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies.The event was attended by the university's academic staff and students, students from Faik Şahenk High School, as well as representatives from the Niğde Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and the Niğde Provincial Directorate of National Education. In this respect, the program became an important platform bringing together different stakeholders.

Within the scope of the event, comprehensive information was provided on the protection, sustainable use, and transfer to future generations of plant and animal genetic resources belonging to Niğde province. The program was moderated by Prof. Dr. Halil Toktay, a faculty member of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies. During the panel discussion, Prof. Dr. Sedat Serçe shared important information regarding the conservation and evaluation of plant genetic resources, while Prof. Dr. Ayhan Ceyhan gave a detailed presentation on the conservation, breeding, and sustainable production role of animal genetic resources and native animal species. The importance of local animal breeds in terms of genetic diversity was emphasized. Throughout the panel, comprehensive discussions were held on topics such as the conservation of local varieties, the importance of gene banks, the role of biodiversity in agricultural production, and the economic value of genetic resources. Furthermore, the adaptation capabilities and resistance to stress conditions such as drought of genetic resources specific to Niğde province were addressed. The event also highlighted the work of the Genetic Resources Club operating within the university, emphasizing its role in raising awareness, increasing student participation, and contributing to scientific activities. The active participation of club members enhanced the organization's interaction. The event contributed to strengthening cooperation between the university, public institutions, and students; and drew attention to the importance of strategies for the registration, conservation, and sustainable use of genetic resources. In conclusion, this panel and introductory meeting demonstrated the critical importance of genetic resource conservation from scientific, economic, and ecological perspectives; and significant gains were achieved towards more effective utilization of Niğde province's agricultural potential. At the end of the panel, our Dean, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şekeroğlu, and our Vice Dean, Prof. Dr. Halil Toktay, presented certificates of appreciation and gifts from the Genetic Resources Club to our internal and external stakeholders who contributed to the panel.