Paper short abstract:

Neglected Underutilised Species (NUS) have been identified as a potential solution to the world’s food challenges, however, there is limited effort in their conservation. We present two case studies from the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership (MSBP), where NUS is at the center of conservation efforts.

Paper long abstract:

As the world moves to a post-2020 Biodiversity Plan, we must acknowledge that the rate of global environmental damage is still increasing, alongside rising levels of malnutrition and food insecurity. Plants underpin all life on earth and are still a vital source of income for millions globally, making their conservation even more of a priority for the future of the planet and its people. Neglected Underutilised Species (NUS), which include crop wild relatives (CWR) and wild harvested edible plants, have been identified as a potential solution to the global challenges we currently face. Evidence has shown how NUS can enhance health through diversifying diets, supporting livelihoods, and developing more resilient food systems. Despite their potential, NUS have largely been understudied and their conservation status is largely unknown. Addressing these global challenges requires collaborative effort from a varied partnership and a multipronged approach to conservation. Here we present two case studies from the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership (MSBP) where previously neglected useful plants are at the centre of conservation efforts. Through the Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change project, we highlight a logical pipeline from identification, conservation, and eventual use of CWRs in agri-food systems to address food security at the global scale. At the other end of the spectrum, we present work at a more regional and local scale, where understanding local perceptions of wild harvested plants and community engagement is key to conserving fruit and nut species in the biodiversity hotspot of the South Caucasus.