Securing Swiss Genetic Conservation Units
The genetic diversity of our forest tree species is relevant for their adaptation to changing environmental conditions. The conservation and sustainable management of this diversity therefore play an important role, especially in times of climate change.
The Project Genetic Conservation Units Switzerland from ETH Zurich (ETHZ) and the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) have been able to establish 115 genetic conservation units (GCUs) for 14 tree species in cooperation with the cantons. The GCUs serve for the long-term conservation and monitoring of the genetic diversity of important forest tree species in Switzerland. The secured GCUs are entered in the National Register of Genetic Conservation Units (NKG).
In the case of GCUs in Switzerland, it is important to highlight the national standards for the establishment of these units. The focus is on the large-scale and long-term security of forest genetic resources. Therefore, the first standard is to select large areas with a high number of individuals to improve the persistence of the population (buffering capacity against changing environmental conditions). The second standard focuses on long-term viability and security. Thus, stakeholder participation in the establishment process, their understanding about forest genetic resources in general, and the selected target population in a GCU are very important.
Switzerland has been part of the European network EUFORGEN since 1994, which coordinates the management of forest genetic resources at the European level. The Swiss GCUs are entered in the European Information System on Forest Genetic Resources (EUFGIS) and can also be easily accessed in the country profile on the EUFORGEN website.
