The Role of Plant Genetic Resources in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture

Plant genetic resources (PGRs) are vital components of global biodiversity and form the foundation of sustainable agriculture and food security. They encompass seeds, landraces, cultivated varieties, and wild relatives that harbor valuable genetic traits essential for crop improvement and ecological resilience. The conservation and utilization of these resources are increasingly important in the face of climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. PGRs play a critical role in developing high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-tolerant crop varieties, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and resilience. They also contribute to agroecological balance by enhancing soil fertility, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, and supporting ecosystem services such as pollination. Moreover, traditional varieties preserved by farming communities safeguard cultural heritage and provide sustainable livelihoods. PGRs are under threat due to habitat destruction, monoculture practices, genetic erosion, and climate variability. Effective conservation strategies, including ex situ approaches such as gene banks and seed vaults, in situ preservation in natural habitats, and on-farm conservation of landraces, are essential to maintain genetic diversity. International treaties such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) further provide frameworks for equitable conservation and benefit-sharing, the multifaceted role of plant genetic resources in biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture while underscoring the urgent need for coordinated efforts at local, national, and global levels. Protecting PGRs ensures ecological stability, food security, and sustainable development for present and future generations.