Forest Genetic Resources Strategy for Europe
The Forest Genetic Resources Strategy for Europe extends and strengthens the existing pan-European Strategy for Genetic Conservation of Forest Trees by adding a specific emphasis on genetic information to guide considerations of what should be conserved and how. At the same time, the new strategy amplifies concerns about the sustainable use of forest genetic resources (FGR) and places further emphasis on increasing the availability of and access to improved information about FGR.
A clear example of the importance of genetic information comes from the new approach to Genetic Conservation Units across Europe. At present, the network of GCUs aims to cover the entire range of genetic variation of a species, but the information needed to do that is often scarce. The Strategy recommends new sorts of research to understand genomic variation and link that to environmental data and phenotypic variation. A combined approach using molecular, quantitative and ecological data will help to ensure that GCUs offer optimal coverage for future needs for FGR.
The Strategy includes a commitment for European countries to establish new GCUs to fill existing conservation gaps, making use of additional information as it becomes available. It also urges Europe to look beyond its geographical borders to neighbouring countries in the Caucuses, the Middle East and North Africa, where marginal populations may contain genetic resources of potential importance to the adaptability of forests and trees in Europe. It also points out the need for all forest species to be taken into consideration, regardless of their current economic importance, both because future economic needs are unpredictable and because of the non-financial values of forests.
The use of Forest Reproductive Material (FRM) is also addressed in the Strategy, in two important ways. One is to suggest that countries reassess their approach to the use of non-local material. FRM should be chosen on its suitability for purpose, which includes its genetic diversity, and that may require looking beyond national boundaries. At the same time, studies are needed to ensure that the production of FRM does not unnecessarily reduce genetic diversity at any stage. These considerations will also require keeping more detailed on records on the production and performance of FRM.
Such information should join expanded data from characterization in connection with GCUs and other monitoring in an expanded European Forest Genetic Information System (EUFGIS). The Strategy recommends that EUFGIS be enhanced and strengthened and that all the information in it comply with FAIR standards: findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.
A vital component in effective European conservation of FGR will be to ensure that all countries have similar capabilities in research and implementation. Capacity development is thus a key element in the Strategy, which sees a continuing role for EUFORGEN as a mechanism through which countries can collaborate and exchange scientific and technical expertise among all stakeholders. It will be important for Europe to consider not only secure financing of EUFORGEN but also, potentially, some mechanism to allow all European countries to operate equally and comprehensively in the network.
As part of its continuing mandate, the Strategy also indicates that EUFORGEN and member countries should be pressing for greater policy awareness of genetic resources. At present, European conservation, as required by instruments such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, deals with habitats and with species, but not with the genetic diversity that underpins both the ecosystem services that habitats provide and the future adaptation and evolution of species. The Strategy urges the adoption of language specifically addressing genetic resources in current and future European policies.
The FGR Strategy for Europe is a coordinated and cooperative effort in the European Forest Genetic Resources Programme (EUFORGEN) to improve the conservation and sustainable use of European forest genetic resources. It recognises Europe’s commitment to conservation, for example through the FOREST EUROPE process. Equally, European countries and the European Union are committed to address the key drivers of biodiversity loss. The Forest Genetic Resources Strategy for Europe will significantly contribute to these and other commitments.
Launch of the Genetic Resources Strategies for Europe
Representing the domain of forest genetics in Europe, EUFORGEN took part in the GenRes Bridge project to improve the conservation and sustainable use of Genetic Resources in Europe and neigbouring countries.
The first time in history, the three domains represented by ECPGR, ERFP and EUFORGEN joined forces to provide sustainable support for plant, animal and forest genetic resources in the region. As part of this effort, the three domains gathered the opportunity to develop their domain-specific strategies and thus, to ensure an aligned conservation and use of the genetic resources in Europe.
Read more about the project’s key outcome, the Genetic Resources Strategy for Europe and other achievements in the
