Abstract:

Forests cover nearly one-third of the world’s land area. They provide vital environmental services such as soil and water protection, regulate the climate and preserve biodiversity, produce valuable raw materials and food, and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people. Forest genetic resources the heritable materials maintained within and among trees and other woody plant species are essential for the adaptation and the evolutionary processes of forests and trees as well as for improving their resilience and productivity. This report constitutes a milestone in building the information and knowledge base required for action at the national, regional and international levels. It has been developed through a country-driven process, building on 86 country reports representing over 85 percent of global forest cover – and with the participation of representatives from national institutions and nongovernmental and community-based organizations. Its recommendations are based on these reports, which indicate that about half of the forest species in reporting countries are threatened or subject to genetic erosion, and only about one-quarter are actively managed for their products and/or services. This publication provides the basis for renewed efforts to realize national and international commitments to improved conservation, sustainable use and management of forest genetic resources.