Participatory paths to conserving and utilizing plant biodiversity in India

Abstract

Tribal communities in India and some other countries remain the custodians and conservators of the rich plant genetic resources that reside in habitats that are away from the reach of modern development. Compelling circumstances, however, are making it increasingly difficult for them to continue this activity, and consequently there is progressive erosion of precious plant genetic resources and their traditional knowledge that could be used for developing food and agricultural resources. Dr. Arunachalam has spent three decades in India studying plant genetics and breeding including areas of conservation, documentation and utilization. This paper is an adaptation of and an update on a paper presented at the Global Biodiversity Forum, South and Southeast Asia in October 1999. In it Dr. Arunachalam stresses the value of promoting the voluntary participation of rural and tribal farmers, as equals with scientists, in conservation and plant breeding programs.