Most of these research centres. Since 1975, these IARCs have built up the world's largest ex-situ collection of crop gene pools, approaching as many as 600,000 individual accessions.

These germplasm collections are held in trust for the use of present and future generations of research workers throughout the world. CGIAR system has also helped to ensure the conservation of more than 140 species started in the gene banks of some 450 non-CGIAR institutions in over 90 countries.

The CGIAR is also committed to strengthening national agricultural research systems in genetic resource programmes, which have now been established in more then 100 countries.

In 1974 with the support of CGIAR, an international research centre exclusively devoted to plant genetic resources (PGRs) was also established. It was named I8PGR (International Board for Plant Genetic Resources).

This institute will have following four major objectives:

(i) to assist countries, particularly developing nations, to assess and meet their needs for plant genetic resources;

(ii) to strengthen and contribute: to international collaboration in the conservation and use of plant genetic resources;

(iii) to develop and promote improved strategies and technologies for plant genetic resources conservation; and

(iv) to provide an international information service on plant genetic resources. More recently, global interest in conservation has been stimulated by the 'Botanic Gardens Conservation Secretariat' and the 'Centre for Plant Conservation'.