Biopiracy of Heirloom Seeds: Ecological Risks and the Biological Necessity for Conservation Policies

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impacts of the recent increase in biopiracy and bio-smuggling activities on heirloom seeds and to evaluate the implications of these practices on ecological balance and food sovereignty. In particular, the illegal collection of plant genetic resources and their patenting followed by re-sale to their countries of origin have brought the concept of biopiracy to the forefront. Such practices pose significant threats to local agricultural systems, farmers' rights, and biological diversity. This research, which is based on an extensive review of the literature, emphasizes that the preservation of heirloom seeds is not only a cultural and agricultural necessity but also a critical component of sustaining ecological balance. The smuggling of heirloom seeds abroad and their subsequent genetic modification and commercial cultivation in different geographical regions not only undermines the biological heritage of the source countries but also disrupts ecological systems. When cultivated outside their native habitats, these plants may exhibit invasive species behavior or trigger ecological imbalances in new environments. Moreover, this process exacerbates the degradation of already fragile local ecosystems, especially in the context of climate change. This study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive national and international policies to protect heirloom seeds in biodiversity-rich countries such as Türkiye. Based on literature-derived data, the study presents a set of policy recommendations developed by the authors to combat biopiracy through legal, scientific, and social awareness frameworks. These recommendations offer strategic guidance for both nature conservation and sustainable agricultural policymaking.