Scientific networking:

Populus nigra as a pilot species

Jozef TurokSimone Borelli (1999-2001)Jarkko KoskelaMichele BozzanoLidwina Koop

EUFORGEN Secretariat, International Plant Genetic ResourcesInstitute (IPGRI)

(1) Scientific knowledge base

(2) Policy frameworks

(3) Operational arrangements at international level - networking

Forest Genetic Resources: Conservation and Management

Collaborativeconservation efforts

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

Poplar cultivation and breeding

Risks and threats

Intra-specificvariation

Objectives:(1) evolutionary potential(2) adaptedness

Why do genetic resources matter?

Scientific knowledge base

Levels and patterns of genetic variation in populations

Gene flow

Introgression

Mating system

Pathogenpopulations

Adaptation processes

scientific approach minimize entry of false hypotheses into the accepted body of biological knowledge

political approach minimize incorrect management decisions (precautionary principle)

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

Forest policy frameworks in Europe

European forest resources

Europe: 175 mio haof 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

One of 16 Future Harvest centers of the CGIAR

Networking as a strategic choice andmode of operation Close collaborationwith FAO

IPGRI: international Institute that assists partners look after and use genetic diversity

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

European Forest Genetic Resources Programme (EUFORGEN)

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

informationstandards(descriptors)

referenceclones forevaluation

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

Established in the framework of a CGIAR regional initiative (1999)

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

Nine technical Working Groups

Inter-regional linkages:Central Asia and Caucasus Network

on Plant Genetic Resources

Networking: lessons learned

Added value of networking Mutual feedback science - policy Participation of different partners:

geneticists, ecologists, breeders, forest managers, river managers, non-governmental 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