1.2 Definitions of Genetic Resources
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conservation policies may include preservation activities to safeguard specific
endemic species for future utilization.
Biodiversity:
The term biodiversity was introduced into the scientific discussion by Wilson
(1988) by shortening the common term biological diversity. Nevertheless, he did
not define biodiversity. According to Banham (1993), biodiversity is the variety of
all living organisms at all levels and is divided into three categories:
• genetic diversity - the genetic variation within and between one population
(all possible gene combinations within one species);
• species diversity - the variation between species of one region;
• diversity of ecosystems - the variation of components of a given ecosystem,
providing the necessary conditions for populations of species.
In the broader discussion, biodiversity also represents a diversity of values. The
preamble of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity states the three types of
variations mentioned above and refers to the "... intrinsic value of biological
diversity and of the ecological, genetic, social, economic, SCientific, educational,
cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biological diversity and its
components ..... (preamble of UNEP, 1994a).
Agrobiodiversity and PGRFA:
Agrobiodiversity is defined broadly as "... that part of biodiversity which
nurtures people and which are nurtured by people ... " (F AO, 1995a, paragraph
67). For reasons of functionality, agrobiodiversity is defined here as the diversity
of existing domesticated plants and animals and is categorized here for
agricultural crops as follows :
• genetic diversity - the diversity of genetic variation in one variety;
• varietal diversity - the diversity of varieties in one crop species;
• species diversity - the diversity of crop species in one region.
In general, the term diversity has no operational value for analyzing, valuing,
and devising efficient conservation options on the basis of economic instruments.
Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRF A) is the general
expression for the material growing in farmers' fields and their wild crop relatives,
as well as material which is conserved, exchanged, utilized - and threatened.
PGRF A as a distinct part of the general plant genetic resources includes resources
contributing to people's livelihoods by providing food, medicine, feed for
domestic animals, fiber, clothing, shelter and energy. PGRFA are the inputs for
breeding as well as for biotechnology, including genetic engineering.
S
In this study, agrobiodiversity will be used for crop diversity only.
5
conservation policies may include preservation activities to safeguard specific
endemic species for future utilization.
Biodiversity:
The term biodiversity was introduced into the scientific discussion by Wilson
(1988) by shortening the common term biological diversity. Nevertheless, he did
not define biodiversity. According to Banham (1993), biodiversity is the variety of
all living organisms at all levels and is divided into three categories:
• genetic diversity - the genetic variation within and between one population
(all possible gene combinations within one species);
• species diversity - the variation between species of one region;
• diversity of ecosystems - the variation of components of a given ecosystem,
providing the necessary conditions for populations of species.
In the broader discussion, biodiversity also represents a diversity of values. The
preamble of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity states the three types of
variations mentioned above and refers to the "... intrinsic value of biological
diversity and of the ecological, genetic, social, economic, SCientific, educational,
cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biological diversity and its
components ..... (preamble of UNEP, 1994a).
Agrobiodiversity and PGRFA:
Agrobiodiversity is defined broadly as "... that part of biodiversity which
nurtures people and which are nurtured by people ... " (F AO, 1995a, paragraph
67). For reasons of functionality, agrobiodiversity is defined here as the diversity
of existing domesticated plants and animals and is categorized here for
agricultural crops as follows :
• genetic diversity - the diversity of genetic variation in one variety;
• varietal diversity - the diversity of varieties in one crop species;
• species diversity - the diversity of crop species in one region.
In general, the term diversity has no operational value for analyzing, valuing,
and devising efficient conservation options on the basis of economic instruments.
Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRF A) is the general
expression for the material growing in farmers' fields and their wild crop relatives,
as well as material which is conserved, exchanged, utilized - and threatened.
PGRF A as a distinct part of the general plant genetic resources includes resources
contributing to people's livelihoods by providing food, medicine, feed for
domestic animals, fiber, clothing, shelter and energy. PGRFA are the inputs for
breeding as well as for biotechnology, including genetic engineering.
S
In this study, agrobiodiversity will be used for crop diversity only.