History

In 1990, the first Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe established the foundation for regional collaboration on forest conservation by adopting the Strasbourg Resolution 2 on the Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources.

This resolution called for the creation of a cooperative framework to safeguard the genetic diversity of European forests, leading to the establishment of EUFORGEN in 1994.

The original mandate from the FOREST EUROPE process continued and was consolidated in subsequent Ministerial Conferences (visit the Mandate page for more details).

2015, 7th Ministerial Conference: commitment to “continuing pan-European collaboration on forest genetic resources through EUFORGEN”.

2021, 8th Ministerial Conference: recognition of the value and importance of the updated indicator on forest genetic resources to strengthen the pan-European criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management.

2024, 9th Ministerial Conference: countries “welcomed the progress in implementing the “Forest Genetic Resources Strategy for Europe” launched by EUFORGEN to enhance the adaptive capacity and resilience of European forests”

“The new Strategy is important and relevant because it defines a comprehensive and precise framework for the relevant stakeholders that indicates how best to implement such conservation” Thomas Haußmann, Head of the Liaison Unit Bonn of FOREST EUROPE 2021-24

In responding to this mandate, EUFORGEN has become a cornerstone of pan-European collaboration, bringing countries together to exchange knowledge, align efforts, and develop innovative approaches for the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources.

To mark its 20th anniversary in 2014, EUFORGEN produced a short film celebrating the programme’s achievements and highlighting the importance of regional collaboration for conserving forest genetic resources.

A decade later, EUFORGEN continues to foster collaboration among a broad network of experts committed to ensuring that Europe’s forests remain resilient and capable of adapting to environmental and societal changes. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, an animated video showcases the Programme’s milestones, achievements, and key outputs since its inception. The video highlights EUFORGEN’s enduring impact and its vision for securing healthy and resilient forests for future generations.

Through its work, EUFORGEN developed a vision to efficiently coordinate the conservation of FGR in Europe where the joint effort is more effective than the sum of the individual actions. By providing science-based evidence, the programme supports conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources, a need that has become increasingly critical as the effects of climate change intensify across Europe.

Reflecting on this mission, Michele Bozzano, the current EUFORGEN Coordinator, states:

“EUFORGEN is a platform for European countries to discuss and develop common strategies, a tool to identify obstacles to progress on the conservation of forest genetic resources in Europe and a vehicle to link scientists and policymakers.”

The European Forest Institute (EFI) hosts the Secretariat.

Previous phases

• Preparation
• Phase I 1994–1999
• Phase II 2000–2004
• Phase III 2005–2009
• Phase IV 2010–2014
• Phase V 2015-2019
• Phase VI 2020-2024
• Phase VII 2025-2029