Conserving forest genetic resources

Conserving genetic resources of useful forest species

Description

Conserving forest genetic resources involves identifying, protecting, and managing the diversity of genes within forest species to ensure their long-term survival and adaptability. This strategy addresses threats such as habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change by establishing gene banks, protected areas, and sustainable harvesting practices. Its practical intent is to maintain healthy, resilient forests that support biodiversity, ecosystem services, and future breeding or restoration efforts, thereby remedying genetic erosion and safeguarding forest resources for future generations.

Context

Forested ecosystems, particularly tropical forests, contain some of the world's highest biodiversities and hence, genetic varieties. These are essential elements for the Earth's stability and vitality. Forested genetic conservation, whether in situ (preserving habitat) or ex situ (in genetic storage banks), is hence necessary.

Implementation

Founded in 1977, the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) became an international agricultural research centre organized under the auspices of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ICRAF intends to develop a Multipurpose Tree Germplasm Resource Centre to serve as the worldwide focal point for collection, storage and distribution of priority agroforestry tree species. ICRAF, FAO, IPGRI, and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and other partners are collaborating on a programme that focuses on in situ conservation of the genetic diversity of forest species of major importance, with ex situ conservation methods providing complementary and and additional security.