For thousands of years, living species of microorganisms, animals and plants have continuously dispersed and disseminated beyond their areas of origin. Confronted by various habitats, they have progressively adapted to new environmental and climactic constraints, thus generating, within each species, great genetic diversity. At all times, and in all locations, humankind has turned to this manna to feed itself, heal itself and to trade with others. This utilisation, required for the evolution of humankind, has also contributed, in a direct manner, to the diversification of what is known today as "genetic resources".