User:Bkapange/Research

In practice, genetic resources are a heritage that we use and must also pass on the same to future generations. Conservation does not necessarily produce immediate tangible benefits, but does so in the medium to long term. The value of the genebank materials is related to the genetic diversity that is maintained in the collection rather than the quantities of individual samples that are made available to users. Moreover, even when there is a mechanism for compensating for the value of the material, the real financial value can only be determined or felt after use many years after the material left the genebank. This implies that SADC citizens who are mostly poor farmers with pressing short term problems would be most reluctant to pay user fees for something whose benefits cannot be felt immediately. Applying this principle to raise funds other than through SADC Member States’ (dwindling) contributions is impractical and would perhaps turn users to other genebanks.