Hotspots of genetic resources for animals, plants and forests

Analysis and demonstration of landscape-based hotspots of plant, animal and forest genetic resources, proposing integrated conservation, indicator development, stakeholder-led management and local value chains.

GenRes Bridge Project, European Forest Institute

This GenRes Bridge publication presents an analysis and concept for identifying and managing geographically concentrated hotspots of genetic resources across plant, animal and forest domains. Using available distribution data (including crop wild relatives, landraces and domestic animal breed records) the project maps domain-specific richness and highlights data gaps and the need for standardised indicators. Five demonstration landscapes (Aurland, Mont-Ventoux, the Dolomites/Paneveggio, Triglav National Park and Ehden/Qadisha Valley) illustrate interactions among forest genetic resources, plant genetic resources and animal genetic resources, showing how heterogeneous, multi-use landscapes support high genetic diversity and deliver ecosystem services. The document proposes an integrated, landscape-based approach combining top-down policy frameworks with bottom-up stakeholder-led management plans, development of simple genetic diversity indicators, cross-domain stakeholder groups, and locally-adapted value chains and branding to support conservation and sustainable use.

Key topics: genetic resources, hotspots, agrobiodiversity, landscape conservation, plant genetic resources, animal genetic resources, forest genetic resources, integrated management

Author: Jade Phillips, Marjana Westergren, Danijela Bojkovski

Year: 2021

Pubblication Type: publication

Organisation: GenRes Bridge, European Forest Institute, ECPGR

Project: GenResBridge