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"Genetic resources" means genetic material of actual or potential value where genetic material means any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units of heredity. Genetic resources thus refer to the part of genetic diversity that has or could have practical use, such as in plant breeding. The term was introduced by Otto Frankel and Erna Bennett for a technical conference on the exploration, utilization and conservation of plant genetic resources, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Biological Program (IBP), held in Rome, Italy, 18-26 September 1967.
Before the introduction of the term, the Russian scientist Nikolai Vavilov initiated comprehensive studies on plant genetic resources and conservation work in the 1920’s. The American botanist Jack Harlan stressed the tight link between plant genetic resources and man in a seminal publication "Crops and Man".
Genetic resources is one of the three levels of biodiversity defined by Article 2 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rio, 1992.
Under the CBD, discussions and negotiations regarding genetic resources are organised by the FAO Commission of Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. This commission distinguishes the following domains of genetic resources:
Animal genetic resources
Aquatic genetic resources
Forest genetic resources
Micro-organisms and invertebrates
Plant genetic resources
Genetic resources are threatened by genetic erosion and conservation activities are undertaken to prevent loss of diversity.
(Source: Wikipedia - the article was developed in the context of the GenRes Bridge project)
The main actors and stakeholders of genetic resources operate on multiple levels.
Ex situ collections of genetic resources are typically maintained by national and international genebanks, to ensure the long-term conservation and availability of these resources to users.
Genetic resources collections that are maintained in situ, or on-site, include natural populations dynamically evolving in nature and maintained in conservation units, as well as on-farm collections of animal breeds conserved by farmers.
Many organisations are conducting research on genetic resources, providing the knowledge necessary for effective and efficient conservation and use of these resources.
The general public, as consumers of genetic resources, are important stakeholders as well.
The Gateway provides information on, by and for these main actors to learn more about work on genetic resources and to foster continuous availability and sustainable use of genetic diversity.
Browse the organisations involved in genetic resources conservation and research or search for specific items of interest.
Designed by Newtvision & ICiTy