Importance of Plant Genetic Resources in Sustainable Development: Global Challenges, and Solutions Being Developed in the Philippines

Abstract

Professor and Head, Plant genetic resources (PGR) for food and agriculture (PGRFA) are vital components of biodiversity. They meet human needs for food, fiber, shelter, and medicines, and contribute to trade and cultural traditions. They form building blocks for the adaptation, evolution, and survival of species and for crop improvement programs that support sustainable development. PGR loss is occurring at an alarming rate, and threatens global food security by decreasing the ability of crops to adapt to environmental and biotic challenges. Here, I discuss the causes of this genetic erosion. Crop genetic diversity must be conserved and used sustainably to ensure sustainable development. We must also train a critical mass of scientists to manage this resource, undertake research to increase utilization of PGRFA, and develop policies and legislation to guide their conservation and utilization. Conservation via ex situ or in situ strategies can guarantee the availability of PGRFA for present and future generations. Conservation through sustainable utilization promotes long-term conservation of these resources. Education and training in PGR conservation and management are important to increase the critical mass of trained staff on all aspects of PGR conservation and management. Post-graduate degrees in PGRFA conservation and management are now offered by the Philippines, India, and Malaysia to meet the regional need for trained staff. In ad-dition, short-term training for stakeholders is provided by governments and nongovernmental organizations. Research on “allele mining”, especially to detect genes for adaptation to climate change and emerging pests and diseases, is necessary to increase the utilization of conserved germplasm, determine the scientific underpinnings of on-farm conservation, and develop the potential to identify and utilize novel products. Awareness of national and international policies and laws on biodiversity conservation and PGRFA must also be increased to improve the conservation and sustainable utilization of PGRFA.