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Valuing crop genetic resources

Author
Brush S.
Journal/Series
The Journal of Environment & Development | Vol. 5(4); 416 - 433; 18 p.
Date
1996
Source
IUCN (ID: ANA-059657)
Publisher | Place of publication
University of California | San Diego, CA, USA
Language
English
Field of application
International
Subject
Agricultural & rural development, Wild species & ecosystems
Keyword
Genetic resources Management/conservation Agriculture and environment Wild flora Resource/damage valuation
Abstract

Although crop genetic resources have been recognised as valuable, there has been little progress in specifying a financial value. Crop genetic resources are made up of two primary components, crop gene pools and agro- ecosystems, with six different subcomponents within these. Markets for determining value of crop genetic resources are generally nonexistent or inadequate, a situation that is compounded by their historic status as public goods. Both providers of crop genetic resources and conservation underwriters now look for more exact appraisals of the value, largely in response to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Various methods of assessing value are reviewed. Prospective equity for conservation should replace equity for previous transfers. Market approaches using intellectual property and contracting are unsuitable for crop genetic resources, but nonmarket methods are available. Different approaches are required for different types of crop genetic resources and for estimates of their private value to farmers and their social value.

Other references

Treaty

Convention on Biological Diversity

Treaty | Multilateral | Rio de Janeiro |

Keyword: Sustainable use, Subsidy/incentive, Policy/planning, Ecosystem preservation, Access and benefit sharing, Traditional rights/customary rights, Protected area, Management/conservation, Financing, Institution, Liability/compensation, Protection of habitats, Alien species, Biodiversity, EIA, Research, Monitoring, Genetic resources, Dispute settlement, Ex-situ conservation, Data collection/reporting, Technology transfer, Biotechnology, Education, Crops/grasses

Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001148)