The aims of this opinion paper are to: Develop and describe a conceptual framework for a more dynamic and sustainable process for developing, implementing, and updating Global Crop Conservation Strategies (GCCS). The purpose is to identify how improvements to the GCCS process will help make conservation and use of PGRFA more effective and efficient. Propose ways to mainstream the GCCS in the supporting mechanisms of the Plant Treaty. Starting from the Plant Treaty’s Governing Body resolution on GCCS, the purpose is to outline how the GCCS can better provide an evidence-based enabling mechanism for the implementation of the MLS and provide guidance, or otherwise contribute, to the aims of the Governing Body.

In this second version we corrected a mistake in the Acknowledgments section. The development of this opinion paper on the future of the Global Crop Conservation Strategies was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) as part of the three-year project led by the Crop Trust: "Breathing new life into the Global Crop Conservation Strategies: Providing an Evidence Base for the Global System of Ex situ Conservation of Crop Diversity".