Conservation of forest genetic resources at continental scale : lessons from a pan-European network across 33 countries

Conservation of forest genetic resources (FGR) is recognized as one component of sustainable forest management by European countries. We present here the first assessment of the conservation efforts at continental scale involving 33 countries. Dynamic conservation of FGR consists of a network of conservation units, i.e. forest areas managed for this purpose, where designated target tree species evolve in their environment. Based on the information available in the European Information System on FGR (EUFGIS Portal), on species distribution maps, and ecological stratification of the continent, we developed eco-geographic indicators, marginality index as well as demographic and, for some species, genetic criteria to assess and monitor the conservation strategy. The pan-European network consists of 1967 conservation units, harbouring 2737 populations and 86 target tree species. We detected a poor connection between the FGR conservation network and other biodiversity conservation objectives. We identified two complementary strategies: the species oriented strategy, where conservation networks are specifically designed for key target species, and the site oriented strategy, which consists in a network of multiple-target units that also include “secondary” species conserved in a reduced number of sites. The network is highly unbalanced and seven key target species are conserved in 60% of the conservation units. We performed specific gap analyses for a representative sample of 11 tree species. For each species, we identified gaps, particularly in the marginal parts of their distribution range, whereas multiple redundant conservation units are found in other areas. Globally, the Mediterranean region and to a lesser extent the Boreal region are underrepresented in the network. Monitoring the conservation efficiency of each unit remains challenging, however less than 2% of the conserved populations seem to be at demographic risk. Based on this case study, we make general recommendations for conservation programmes of genetic resources at continental scale. CONSERVATION OF FOREST GENETIC RESOURCES 4 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92