Pan-European strategy for genetic conservation of forest trees and establishment of a core network of dynamic conservation units

Summary

The diversity of forests, at the level of species and at the level of genetic diversity within species, is an important resource for Europe. Over the past several decades European countries have made considerable efforts to conserve the genetic diversity of tree species. According to the EUFGIS portal, there are more than 3200 genetic conservation units which harbour more than 4000 populations of about 100 tree species. An earlier analysis of the EUFGIS information revealed significant gaps in the conservation efforts in terms of the species covered and the geographical distribution of the units within the species’ ranges. Subsequently, the EUFORGEN Steering Committee established a working group to develop the pan-European genetic conservation strategy for forest trees. The process followed by the working group and its results are presented in this report