PRJ_European Forest Genetic Resources (EUFORGEN)

Belgium, like other countries, needs to exchange knowledge and expertise to address current and future challenges that will affect our forests and that do not stop at regional and national borders. Climate change, drought and diseases disrupt our forest ecosystems. Genetic diversity is part of the solution for the preservation of vital forests and ensures the resilience that must enable forests to fulfil their social, ecological and economic role. Membership of the EUFORGEN network is therefore necessary and useful as it promotes dialogue between scientists, legislative decision-makers and forest managers to develop strategies and set priorities. Based on the collective knowledge of this network, EUFORGEN produces a large number of knowledge documents (e.g. distribution maps per species), publications, reports, databases.
In addition to all the benefits of cross-border cooperation, membership within EUFORGEN enables Belgium to meet international obligations regarding genetic resources in forestry that are laid down in various resolutions that Belgium has signed.