Between Conservation and Utilization: Legal Frameworks Governing Crop Wild Relatives and Habitats Directive Species in Poland

Ex situ plant conservation in Poland is shaped by a dual institutional framework that distinguishes between agricultural genetic resources and the protection of rare and endangered wild flora. The National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources (NCPGR) focuses on cultivated taxa and Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs), whereas the PAS Botanical Garden Seed Bank prioritizes wild species of high conservation concern, including those listed under the EU Habitats Directive (HD). This review examines the legal and institutional foundations of ex situ conservation in Poland within global and regional regimes (CBD, ITPGRFA, EU Habitats Directive) and analyzes a harmonized dataset of 1458 species. Comparative analyses show significant discrepancies in institutional holdings: CWRs are relatively well represented in the gene bank, whereas many HD species remain underrepresented, particularly those producing non-orthodox seeds that cannot be stored by conventional methods. Conversely, rare wild taxa maintained in the Seed Bank often fall outside agricultural genetic resource frameworks. The limited overlap between these collections highlights gaps in coordination, data integration, and methodological development. Strengthening institutional synergy, developing approaches for non-orthodox seeds, and enhancing international cooperation will be crucial for Poland to meet the goals of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.