Genetic resources are genetic materials of actual or potential value (Article 2, CBD). The scientific concept of micro-organism refers to a “member of one of the following classes: bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa or viruses’ (UNCTAD-ICTSD (2005), p. 392). Plant genetic resources refer to the economic, scientific or societal value of the heritable materials contained within and among species (FAO, p. 33). From a legal perspective, therefore, the ‘actual or potential value’ differentiates genetic resources, microorganisms and other biological resources from simple genetic material.