Dynamic conservation of forest genetic resources in 33 european countries

Dynamic conservation of forest genetic resources (FGR) meansmaintaining the genetic diversity of
trees within an evolutionary process and allowing generation turnover in the forest.We assessed the network of
forests areas managed for the dynamic conservation of FGR (conservation units) across Europe (33 countries).
On the basis of information available in the European Information System on FGR (EUFGIS Portal), species
distribution maps, and environmental stratification of the continent, we developed ecogeographic indicators,
a marginality index, and demographic indicators to assess and monitor forest conservation efforts. The
pan-European network has 1967 conservation units, 2737 populations of target trees, and 86 species of
target trees. We detected a poor coincidence between FGR conservation and other biodiversity conservation
objectives within this network. We identified 2 complementary strategies: a species-oriented strategy in which
national conservation networks are specifically designed for key target species and a site-oriented strategy
in which multiple-target units include so-called secondary species conserved within a few sites. The network
is highly unbalanced in terms of species representation, and 7 key target species are conserved in 60%
of the conservation units. We performed specific gap analyses for 11 tree species, including assessment of
ecogeographic, demographic, and genetic criteria. For each species, we identified gaps, particularly in the
marginal parts of their distribution range, and found multiple redundant conservation units in other areas.
The Mediterranean forests and to a lesser extent the boreal forests are underrepresented. Monitoring the
conservation efficiency of each unit remains challenging; however, <2% of the conserved populations seem to
be at risk of extinction. On the basis of our results, we recommend combining species-oriented and site-oriented strategies.