Integration of Conservation Strategies of Plant Genetic ... - Genres

Ex-situ conservation and the informal sector
J. CHERFAS 1
Introduction
In this paper I start with a discussion of the use of such terms as "informal sector" and "ex-situ
conservation" before examining in more detail the work of one particular element in the informal
sector, my own organisation. I then look at some of the problems facing the informal sector
before finally proposing some solutions and ways in which the formal and informal sectors might
work more closely together in future.
Semantics
The informal sector is as diverse as the plant genetic resources it seeks to conserve. There is wide
variation in the approaches used and the commitments exhibited. Nevertheless, it is possible to
discern three basic patterns.
The first is what may loosely be called the enthusiasts. These are individuals who have a deep
interest in diversity, often of a particular crop. Thus there is a gentleman in Sussex, England, who
collects cucurbits. He has a large collection of varieties but, as far as I am aware, acts entirely on
his own. He does not make seed available to others, who would, in fact, find it difficult to contact
him. Other enthusiasts, such as the late Donald McLean, combine their obsession with business;
Mr McLean offered one of the largest lists of potato varieties in the UK, a practice continued by
his widow. These enthusiasts are often very knowledgeable about their chosen crops, and may
have very large collections, but they tend to work in isolation. They are often known only to
other enthusiasts and seldom belong to more formal organisations.
Organisations that are concerned with the conservation and utilisation of plant genetic resources
tend to fall into two classes; those in which PGR is part of a broader remit and those in which
PGR is the main thrust (though these may have other interests too).
In the first group fall such organisations as ABL in Germany, Geyser in France and the Henry
Doubleday Research Association (HDRA) in the UK. These groups tend to undertake a range
of activities aimed at small-scale and hobby growers, often with a strong undertone of
sustainability. The conservation and utilisation of plant genetic resources is just one of their
activities, given greater or lesser prominence in each such organisation.
The second group comprises organisations such as Hof van Eden in The Netherlands, Arche Noah
in Austria, Pro Specie Rara in Switzerland and the National Council for the Conservation of
1
Author's address:
The Henry Doubleday Research Association
Ryton Organic Gardens
Ryton-on-Dunsm ore
Coventry CV8 3LG
United Kingdom