CGN's activities are aimed at the ex situ conservation, support for in situ conservation, and promotion of the use of genetic propagation material in support of breeding and research, and as part of our bio-cultural heritage. The programme concerns crops and forest species as well as domestic animals. Genetic diversity is a necessity for adaptation of our agricultural crops and domestic animals to new diseases, changing production methods (organic farming), a changing climate, or new consumer demands. On a world-wide scale, this genetic diversity, formed in agricultural practice over many ages, is strongly decreasing. Genetic erosion is a serious threat to the future world food security and hinders the further development of sustainable agricultural production.