For the past few decades, a growing awareness in France of the importance of genetic resources has been accompanied by an increased number of actions aiming to preserve and enhance them. Initiated by various groups, they take place at different geographical levels: local, regional or national.

Aware of the importance of these actions but also wary of their dispersed nature and of their long-term fragility, French Authorities have decided to develop and implement a national policy on genetic resources, in compliance with the International Undertakings to which France is a Party.

With these reasons in mind, France has recently adopted the National Charter for the Management of Genetic Resources , and is committed to promoting its implementation over the years to come. This charter deals with all genetic resources for which conservation responsibility lies with France (French territory), for animal, plant and microbial species of agricultural, industrial, economic, scientific, social and cultural interest, managed and used by man.

The National Charter includes an important section on Research to strengthen the scientific foundations of facilities recommended for the long-term management of genetic resources.

The National Charter is the fruit of a group effort having mobilised a large number of partners in France, be they public, private or associative. It embodies their resolve to contribute to sustainable management of this genetic capital.