Production and use chain of Forest Reproductive Material
New EUFORGEN publication collects scientific evidence for developing guidelines and decision support tools for production and use of Forest Reproductive Material
EUFORGEN recently published the report of a working group on forest reproductive material established in 2015. “Genetic aspects linked to production and use of forest reproductive material (FRM): Collecting scientific evidence for developing guidelines and decision support tools for effective FRM management” was developed by 28 authors from 25 countries. The working group identified genetic concerns in each of the steps in the production and use of forest reproductive material (FRM) and compiles scientific evidence to support decision making of various stakeholders.
The report is a reminder that biodiversity is decisive for the creation of resilient forests that are capable of surviving threats such as pests and diseases or fire and adapting to changes. Without biodiversity, ecosystems cannot evolve or be restored to deliver enhanced ecosystem services.
This year, 2021, saw the start of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, in which forest restoration is a major issue. At the same time, bioeconomy is crucial for the forestry sector. Future demand for forest products, forest biomass and ecosystem services will increase, with implications for sustainable forest management and for afforestation and plantation forestry.
Reversing biodiversity loss, improving human health, realising sustainable development and addressing the climate emergency are all becoming more urgent. Forests will play a part in each of these, requiring effective Forest Reproductive Material (FRM) management guidelines and decision support tools. The report of the EUFORGEN working group offers a comprehensive examination of the state of the art in forest reproductive material production chain, from seed origin to international trade.
At each stage, there is a risk that the genetic diversity will be reduced. The report lists 38 recommendations to better inform and manage FRM resources The list includes recommendations on policy, research and management.
Two recommendations are crucial and overarching: to create an online information system (containing geo-referenced records of the origin, movement and use of FRM) and to balance the goals of production and genetic diversity conservation in all FRM management.
The working group report builds on more than two decades of work by EUFORGEN on forest reproductive material. EUFORGEN hopes it will prove valuable to forestry practitioners and others as we enter the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration.
