Conservation of Genetic Resources, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1999 Costs and Implications for a Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Over the past decade the importance of natural resources for sustainable agricultural development has been increasingly discussed at international forums and conferences. Aside from the sustainable management of soil, water, and air, it now seems to be accepted that the sustainable management of genetic resources is one of the four indispensable preconditions for a sustainable agriculture. The discussion on conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), however, has to reflect the costs of conservation as well. These have not yet been discussed intensively. The study analyzes the conservation costs of plant genetic resources; it also assesses the effectiveness of conservation and the efficiency of the different conservation instruments. It is based on extensive surveys in relevant countries. Following the detailed cost and impact analysis, the results show that the effectiveness of conservation strategies may be increased.

1 Introduction.- 1.1 Problems.- 1.2 Definitions of Genetic Resources.- 1.3 Research Questions and Approach.- 1.4 Study Overview.- 2 Genetic Resources: Status, Development, Losses, and Conservation Management.- 2.1 State and Development of the World’s Genetic Diversity Centers.- 2.2 Extent and Determinants of Genetic Extinction.- 2.3 Similarities and Differences Between Biodiversity and Agrobiodiversity.- 2.4 Methods for Conservation of PGRFA.- 3 Economic Framework of Conservation.- 3.1 Conceptual Overview.- 3.2 Economic Valuation of Environmental Goods at a National Level.- 3.3 Analysis of the Beneficiaries of PGRFA Conservation.- 3.4 Incentives for the Conservation of PGRFA.- 4 Institutional Frameworks for the Exchange and Utilization of PGRFA.- 4.1 Institutional Aspects of Exchange of PGRFA.- 4.2 Actors in the Conservation and Exchange Activities of Plant Genetic Resources.- 4.3 Protection of Intellectual Property Rights as Enforcement of the Exchange of PGRFA.- 4.4 Different Systems for the Transaction of Genetic Resources.- 5 Conservation Costs of PGRFA.- 5.1 Analysis of the Costs for PGRFA Conservation According to Different Categories.- 5.2 Expenditures of PGRFA Conservation at Country Level.- 5.3 Analysis of the International Expenditures in 1995.- 5.4 Effectiveness of PGRFA Conservation for Analyzed Countries.- 6 Two Examples of PGRFA Conservation Systems: India and Germany.- 6.1 Indian Case Study.- 6.2 German Case Study.- 6.3 Summary of the Indian and German Case Studies.- 7 Conclusions for PGRFA Conservation Policy and Further Research Issues.- 7.1 The Conservation and Service Center as a Focal Point for PGRFA Conservation Management.- 7.2 Incentives of Moderation.- 7.3 Compensation or Internalization?.- 7.4 Increasing Effectiveness Through a Market System,Technology Development and Cooperation.- 8 Summary.- 9 Zusammenfassung.- 10 Appendices.- 11 References.

This study contributes to the development and the conceptualization of more efficient conservation strategies by discussing the different aspects of conservation and focusing on costs.