Overview

EUFORGEN – the European Forest Genetic Resources Programme – is an international cooperation programme that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources in Europe as an integral part of sustainable forest management. It was established in 1994 as a result of a resolution adopted in 1990 by the first Ministerial Conference of the Forest Europe process.

Experts from member countries come together within EUFORGEN to exchange information and experience, analyse policies and practice, and develop science-based strategies, tools and methods to improve the management of forest genetic resources (FGR).

The Programme contributes to the implementation of Forest Europe commitments on FGR and to relevant decisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). EUFORGEN also contributes to the implementation of regional strategic priorities of the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources (GPA-FGR) and provides inputs to European and global assessments. In addition, EUFORGEN serves as a platform for developing and implementing European projects on FGR and coordinating existing initiatives.
 

What does EUFORGEN provide?
 

• a unique platform for the exchange of information. This allows dialogue among science, policy and practice to identify policy needs, to develop strategies and to define priorities. 

• data and active contributions to the State of Europe’s Forests reports, allowing precise and realistic assessments and monitoring progress on forest genetic resources conservation and availability of Forest Reproductive Material.  

• a mechanism to implement FOREST EUROPE’s commitments related to forest genetic resources.  

• a means to identify obstacles to progress and to link researchers and policymakers. 

• a channel to amplify the outcomes and support the development and implementation of European projects on FGR and coordinate existing initiatives.