Abstract of the poster

The European Information System on Forest Genetic Resources (EUFGIS) provides geo-referenced data on dynamic conservation units of forest genetic resources across the continent. It was established in close collaboration with the member countries of the European Forest Genetic Resources Programme (EUFORGEN) and the EUFGIS project was co-funded by the European Commission.

Prior to creating the portal, the project developed pan-European minimum requirements and data standards for conservation units, and established a network of data providers in European countries. The minimum requirements emphasize maintenance of evolutionary processes within tree populations to safeguard their adaptive potential. The units have a designated status as genetic conservation areas at national level. The minimum requirements also specify a minimum size of a unit depending on three conservation objectives. One or more tree species are recognized as target species for each unit. The units are actively managed, as needed, to favour genetic processes.

As of June 2011, the EUFGIS Portal contained data on 1967 units and 106 tree species in 31 countries. These units harbour a total of 2774 tree populations. Eleven species are conserved in more than 50 units (up to 370), while 45 species have less than 10 units. Eighteen countries use a single-species-unit approach while others manage two or more target species within a unit for genetic conservation.

The EUFGIS Portal is accessible at http://portal.eufgis.org