GenRes Bridge project (Horizon 2020, Grant No. 817580); published by European Forest Institute
This strategy, produced by the GenRes Bridge project and validated by the three European genetic resources networks (ECPGR, ERFP and EUFORGEN), sets out an integrated framework to conserve and sustainably use plant, animal and forest genetic resources across Europe. It argues that genetic diversity is critically threatened, underprioritised in policy, and essential for resilient agriculture, forestry and the bioeconomy. The document presents analysis and concrete recommendations across five focal areas: (1) sustain and expand in situ and ex situ conservation, including European collections and quality management; (2) increase and diversify use of genetic resources, facilitating access and linking conservation with innovation and rural livelihoods; (3) intensify characterization, evaluation and monitoring using genomic, phenotypic and socio-ecological data; (4) advance information management through national inventories and the European systems EURISCO, EFABIS and EUFGIS in line with FAIR principles; and (5) enable transformative change by establishing a coherent policy and legal framework, creating a European coordination and information centre for agricultural genetic resources, strengthening institutional and human capacity, raising awareness, mobilising long-term funding, and reinforcing international cooperation. An annexed action plan provides prioritized actions, indicators, timescales and suggested national and European responsibilities to guide implementation.
Key topics: genetic resources, seed_policy, conservation, in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, information systems, agrobiodiversity, EU policy
