Global strategies for sustainable use of agricultural genetic and indigenous traditional knowledge

Abstract

Mankind is becoming more aware that all life on Earth is significantly threatened and has begun to accept this threat. Thus, we seek to restore damaged natural resources and preserve those still existing. The survival of humans on our planet is directly related to genetic resources, and thus the rational exploitation of genetic resources is necessary to continually raise public awareness on their manyfold importance. From the aspect of feeding the growing human population, plant genetic resources for food and agriculture are invaluable, making them increasingly important for world food security. Therefore, plant genetics are significant in the implementation of many strategies designed for recovery of degraded ecosystems and natural habitats and for the conservation and protection of endangered plant and animal species. Sustainable use of agricultural genetic resources is not limited only to counteracting the loss of germplasm but also to maintaining the traditional knowledge related to agricultural plants. In searching for the concept of sustainable development, humans realized long ago that the thousands of years of knowledge and experience of indigenous people contributed significantly to solving the many challenges created by natural phenomena and human activities. More active participation of local communities in biodiversity conservation programs would contribute to more efficient and cost-effective conservation and biodiversity management. There is no doubt that indigenous knowledge is more important today than ever before, and in this sense, its preservation may be considered as necessary to modern society.