Scientific networking:

Populus nigra as a pilot

species
Jozef Turok
Simone Borelli (1999-2001)
Jarkko Koskela
Michele Bozzano
Lidwina Koop
EUFORGEN Secretariat, International Plant Genetic Resources
Institute (IPGRI)

Forest Genetic Resources:

Conservation and Management
(1) Scientific knowledge base
(2) Policy frameworks
(3) Operational arrangements at
international level - networking

Collaborative
conservation efforts
How to make
conservation efficient?
Simply conserve all
what is left? How to
sample effectively?
How to construct the
Noahs Ark?

Why do genetic resources matter?

Poplar cultivation
and breeding
Risks and threats
Intra-specific
variation
Objectives:
(1) evolutionary
potential
(2) adaptedness

Scientific knowledge base

Levels and patterns of genetic variation
in populations
Gene flow
Introgression
Mating system
Pathogen
populations
Adaptation processes

scientific approach minimize

entry of false hypotheses into the
accepted body of biological
knowledge
political approach minimize
incorrect management decisions
(precautionary principle)

Forest policy frameworks in Europe

Ministerial Conferences on the Protection of Forests
Forum for high-level policy dialogue
Common instruments and measures for the protection
and sustainable management of forests

40 signatory countries including the European Union

Strasbourg Resolution S2 (Conservation of forest
genetic resources)
Vienna Resolution V4 on Forest Biological Diversity:
Support for a continued collaborative action on forest
genetic resources in Europe
Linking genetic conservation with National Forest
Programmes

European forest resources

Europe: 175 mio ha
of which EU 15 113 mio ha
Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS):
934 mio ha

Networking as a tool

Bringing together all partners

Implementing international policy initiatives
Mode of operation and not an objective
Priority setting
Avoiding duplication
Creating synergies
Sharing responsibilities and costs
Optimizing use of resources

Working with networks

IPGRI: international Institute
that assists partners look after
and use genetic diversity
One of 16 Future Harvest centers
of the CGIAR
Networking as a
strategic choice and
mode of operation
Close collaboration
with FAO

European Forest Genetic Resources

Programme (EUFORGEN)
Collaborative programme among
European countries to promote
conservation and sustainable use of forest
genetic resources
Implementation mechanism for MCPFE
policy agreements
Operates in five-year phases (2000-2004)
Fully funded by the participating countries
Overseen by the Steering Committee

EUFORGEN Mode of operation

Network meeting held

EUFORGEN Activities and outputs

Documentation and information

EUFORGEN Activities and outputs

Conservation strategies and
methodologies

EUFORGEN Activities and outputs

Exchange and use of genetic materials
database
information
standards
(descriptors)
reference
clones for
evaluation
core collection

EUFORGEN Activities and outputs

Public awareness

Facilitating European research

Identification of research needs

Formulation of proposals
Dissemination of results
Adoption and implementation process
EU Research Framework Programme:
EUROPOP, FLOOBAR, POPYOMICS
and other relevant projects

Inter-regional linkages:
Central Asia and Caucasus Network
on Plant Genetic Resources
Established in the
framework of a CGIAR
regional initiative (1999)
Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Georgia, Kazakstan,
Kyrgyz Republic,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan
and Uzbekistan
Nine technical Working
Groups

Networking: lessons learned

Added value of networking
Mutual feedback science - policy
Participation of different partners:
geneticists, ecologists, breeders, forest
managers, river managers, nongovernmental organizations...

Long-term, integrated strategy

Perspectives
Sharing of responsibilities: Common

Action Plan for cross-border networks of

in situ conservation units
Focus on supporting implementation at
national level
Integration of genetic aspects into
normal forest management
Needs for research, capacity building
Policy support essential at international,
regional (EU) and national levels