Giving priority to cryogenic storage

Developing cryogenic storage for genetic resources

Description

Giving priority to cryogenic storage involves allocating resources and infrastructure to preserve biological materials, food, and other perishable goods at ultra-low temperatures. This strategy aims to prevent degradation, loss of viability, and waste, ensuring long-term availability for research, medical, agricultural, and conservation purposes. By implementing advanced cryogenic systems and protocols, organizations can safeguard genetic diversity, support medical treatments, and maintain critical supplies, directly addressing challenges of spoilage, extinction, and resource scarcity.

Context

Agenda 21 recommends that governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional organizations, should prepare and complete national inventories of available animal genetic resources, giving cryogenic storage priority over characterization and evaluation. Training of nationals in conservation and assessment techniques would be given special attention.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends the use of cryogenic storage of germplasm to preserve breeds at serious risk.