A "genetic resource" or "Biological Resource" is defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as the "plant, animal or microbial material or material of other origin containing functional units of heredity". A genetic resource is also defined by the CBD as "genetic material of current or potential value." This includes genetic resources conserved in situ and ex situ (i.e. in the field or in a collection.) In situ conservation is the "conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and renewal of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings and, in the case of domesticated or cultivated species, in the surroundings where they have developed their distinctive characteristics". (Article 2 of the CBD). Ex situ conservation is "the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural environment."
"Kifaa cha maumbile (Biological Resource) ni ""mimea, wanyama, au vifaa vya microbial au vifaa vya asili nyingine vyenye vitengo vya kazi vya urithi.""" "Kifaa cha maumbile kinafafanuliwa na CBD kama ""vitu vya maumbile vya thamani ya sasa au ya uwezekano.""" Hii inajumuisha rasilimali za maumbile zilizohifadhiwa in situ na ex situ (yaani katika uwanja au katika mkusanyiko.) In situ Conservation ni uhifadhi wa mazingira na mazingira ya asili na uhifadhi na upya wa idadi ya viable ya spishi katika mazingira yao ya asili na, katika kesi ya spishi za nyumbani au kulimwa, katika mazingira ambapo wameendeleza sifa zao za kipekee. (Kifungu cha 2 cha Mkataba wa Kimataifa wa Ulinzi wa Wanyama). Uhifadhi wa nje ya eneo ni "uhifadhi wa sehemu za utofauti wa kibiolojia nje ya mazingira yao ya asili".