Plant genetic resources have generated interest since millennia. However, concerns about the continued existence of crop biodiversity is a relatively new phenomenon. These concerns underscore the general belief that genetic diversity is the foundation for successful plant breeding and a keystone of sustainable agriculture and development, especially in light of the current human demographic explosion. In this presentation, I will look at both accomplishments in the conservation of crop genetic diversity, as well as future challenges and needs. In the past 40-50 years, numerous causes of genetic erosion have been identified, including modern plant breeding with its market-induced emphasis on uniformity and population growth with the accompanying habitat destruction and overgrazing have been invoked to justify special conservation measures. These can be divided into ex situ and in situ measures. Furthermore, genetic diversity conservation and utilization have been helped by the application of molecular markers, which have provided a measure of genetic relatedness and differentiation as a complement to phenotypic data. As a consequence of this improved knowledge of genetic diversity, there has been an increased awareness and utilization of exotic germplasm, including wild relatives, as a source of genetic diversity. Among future trends, a major focus will be on gaining a better understanding of the molecular and genetic basis for the traits of agronomic interest, population genetic, environmental and human factors affecting genetic diversity in situ, and the genotypic constitution of each accession. Another trend is the legal framework to which plant biodiversity, in general, and crop biodiversity, in particular, will be subjected to and its effect on conservation, exchange, and utilization. Conservation of crop genetic resources will undoubtedly require increased collaboration among scientists, seed savers, and farmers in the future.