Germany

Approximately 11.1 million hectares, 30% of the German landscape, is covered by forest with spruce, pine, beech and oak being the most important tree species. Since 1987 the „Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Forest Genetic Resources in the Federal Republic of Germany“ is the key document regarding the conservation of German forests. The measures described are based on the significance of genetic diversity and the endangerment of the gene pool of tree and woody shrub species. It serves as National Programme for Forest Genetic Resources in Germany.

In 1985, a Federal and State Working-Group “Forest Genetic Resources” has been established. In this group experts from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries (Thünen Institute), the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) and the Forest Research Centres, representing the 16 states of Germany, are included. The group has developed the above mentioned concept for the conservation of forest genetic resources. Twice a year there are meetings in order to discuss the progress and next actions. The Federal and State Working-Group, as an advisory group, implements projects within a five-year action plan in order to fulfil the main priorities of the National Programme. The current action plan (2013 - 2018) puts emphasis on activities such as:

• Conservation of forest genetic resources,
• Research on adaptation to climate change and
• Genetic monitoring of forest genetic resources.

The federal states of Germany have the responsibility for the management of the forests and for the conservation of forest genetic resources. However, specific support programmes are organised and financed on the federal level. The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) provides technical and administrative support e.g. the development and maintenance of a web page and financial management of research programmes.