National strategies for the conservation of crop wild relatives.

What is it about?

This chapter reviews how crop wild relatives (wild plants related to cultivated crops) might best be conserved, drawing on examples from various countries around the world (but with a focus on Europe). We highlight differences between national strategies, but suggest there are common themes which should be applied in other nations to boost CWR conservation.

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Why is it important?

Crop wild relatives (CWR) are wild plants related to cultivated crops. They are important as a source of genetic material that can be used to improve crops e.g. to increase disease resistance or drought tolerance. CWR and their traits might become especially useful under future climate change. We must protect and conserve CWR and their genetic material in the face of threats such as land use change and pollution.