Conserving intraspecific biodiversity of forest trees in France and Europe

Abstract

Forest trees are located at an intermediate position between wild and cultivated plants. In France, the conservation of their intra-specific biodiversity is managed by the Commission of Forest Genetic Resources, under the Ministry of Agriculture. An international program (EUFORGEN) organizes their conservation at a pan-European level. Methods of 'dynamic conservation' aim at maintaining the adaptability of species and populations and not only their current state of adaptation. This evolutionary approach is particularly important in the context of climate change. It will be supported by the renovation of the regulation on the trade of forest seeds and seedlings and by strengthening collaboration with the actors of the conservation of habitats and forest inter-specific biodiversity.