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

F. Begemann
Table 6: Objectives and key activities of the Information Centre for Genetic Resources
IGR´s present objectives are
- to assist individuals and institutions, particularly in Germany, to assess and meet their needs for
genetic resources conservation,
- to contribute to improved links between conservation and utilization activities,
- to support collaboration between the formal and informal sector in the field of genetic resources,
- to strengthen and contribute to the German cooperation at national and international level,
- to support the development and promotion of improved strategies and techniques for genetic
resources conservation and use and
- to provide a focal point for national and international information exchange on genetic resources
issues.
IGR´s key activities to achieve these objectives are
(1) to establish the German database on genetic resources. Emphasis will be placed on the genetic
resources of agricultural and horticultural crop plants and their wild relatives; however, if need
be, it will be open to integrate information on other plants (ornamentals, forestry and wild species)
as well as on animals and micro-organisms,
(2) to develop and maintain a database of German experts in the field of genetic resources conservation,
documentation and utilization,
(3) to support institutions in analyzing their information on the germplasm,
(4) to assist in the preparation and implementation of collaborative projects concerned with the
conservation and use of genetic resources and
(5) to provide a comprehensive information service to the scientific community and the interested public.
5. Strategic Plans
The conservation activities outlined here constitute a significant component of the strategic plans being
published by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry (BML). The concept became known
to the public under the names of the authors ´Bommer/Beese-concept´ [BOMMER AND BEESE, 1990]; it
was published in 1990 by BML in its series ´Angewandte Wissenschaft´ volume 388. Some updated
information [BEGEMANN AND HAMMER, 1993] has recently been provided in the same series, volume
422; this became necessary after German re-unification in order to inform about the former GDR
activities and the impact of recent international developments such as UNCED and the convention on
biodiversity on German activities toward the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources (Figure
2).
Nevertheless, a review of the most important plant genetic resources activities in Germany is underway
to find some recommendations how to further optimize conservation, management and utilization of
plant genetic resources. The review is due to be finalized by the end of June 1994.