GenRes Bridge Project
GenRes Bridge aims to strengthen conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources (GenRes).
Genetic resources refer to genetic material of plant, animal or microbial origin of actual or potential value, such as a medicinal plant, agricultural crop, tree variety or animal breed. The project aims for collaborative efforts and widens capacities in the plant, forest and animal GenRes domains by sharing perspectives, exchanging best practices, harmonizing standards, trainings and sharing resources under the auspices of the three pan-European GenRes networks: ECPGR, EUFORGEN and ERFP.
GenRes Gateway
The GenRes Bridge project, which brings together for the first time all domains of genetic resources (ECPGR, EUFORGEN and ERFP), launches a platform and invites all stakeholders to register and animate this digital space.
The aim of this portal is to collect as much material on genetic resources as possible and make it available to interested parties. Thanks to its IT structure, it is possible to filter and search accurately to find information about actors in different domains and countries. It remains so important to spread the word about the presence of this tool and to make it truly functional and not an empty box dedicated only to few persons.
For more information you can visit the FAQ and the infographic.
The Gateway was launched in May 2021 and can be accessed here and create your profile into the back office panel.
The European Genetic Resources Strategy
In addition, the project is defining what will be the European Genetic Resources Strategy, a policy framework for securing genetic resources for food, agriculture and forestry in the region. It will present a vision for improved genetic resources management in Europe and that will include an action plan to pave the way towards its implementation. Crucially, the strategy will increase awareness of the importance of genetic resources for sustainable and resilient agriculture and forestry in the region and the imperative for adequate and long-term financing for their management.
To present and launch the strategy there will be an event on 30 November in Brussels by the 3 domains (ECPGR, ERFP and EUFORGEN). Here for more information.
Let us hope that in addition to a strategy there will also be real action on the part of the institutions, given that the main priority is the practices and involvement of the social partners and citizens in what will be a problem of the future!
