In addition to the difficulties in assessing the value of GCI, the value of genetic resources is only partially reflected in the market price. For example, often no price is charged for the utilisation of genetic resources through breeders. In addition, the value of GCI can seldom be determined a priori but only observed a posteriori, i.e., as a result of their success on the market. Consequently, the total economic value of genetic resources has to be defined by breaking down the overall value into its various parts. The components of the total economic value are derived from the use value, which is divided into the direct and indirect use value and the option value.
Further components are the bequest value and the existence value summarized in the non-use value.
Figure 1 shows the desegregated values of genetic resources. One immediately obtains an idea of the anticipated benefits derived from the different values and of the decreasing quantifiability and valuability from left to right in the range of value categories depicted in Figure 1. On the one hand, the direct use value arises from the use of resources in production and consumption of genetic resources by the pharmaceutical industry and plant breeders, farmers, food processors, and consumers. On the other hand, it arises from non-consumptive uses, e.g., through recreation, tourism, etc. Furthermore the indirect use value reflects the value of genetic resources, though not directly consumed, are necessary to the production of resources, which have direct use value.