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At the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992, heads of state and government leaders adopted the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which Hungary was among the first to sign. The primary objective of this global treaty is to preserve biological diversity—an essential foundation for life on Earth and the survival of humanity - including genetic diversity. Hungary ratified the Convention through Act LXXXI of 1995.
In addition to the CBD, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) places special emphasis on conserving and sustainably utilizing the world's genetic resources. In the field of crop biodiversity, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) serves this purpose. The FAO Treaty was adopted by its member states in 2001, and Hungary joined on March 4, 2004, ratifying it through Government Decree 358/2004 (XII. 26.).
Both international agreements require Hungary to establish and maintain conditions for the ex-situ conservation and research of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as their in-situ preservation. The FAO’s Second Report on the State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (2010) repeatedly highlights the critical importance of ex-situ and in-situ plant genetic conservation, noting that 70% of agricultural plant genetic resources have been lost since the early 20th century.
Ensuring the long-term maintenance of the genetic resources stored in gene banks, which represent a national treasure, is a fundamental responsibility of the Hungarian state. The proper operation of the national gene bank network is crucial, as these resources are irreplaceable public assets. A long-term objective is to reintroduce traditional landraces preserved in gene banks into agricultural production - while maintaining Hungary’s GMO-free status - to strengthen the country's food security.
The National Centre for Biodiversity and Gene Conservation is responsible for the national coordination of gene conservation efforts and for organizing Hungarian gene banks into a network, working closely with other national gene banks and conservation organizations.