Conservation Of Forest Genetic Resources Research Articles

Spatial conservation planning of forest genetic resources in a Mediterranean multi-refugial area

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework recognised the urgency of taking action to conserve intraspecific genetic diversity (IGD) as an insurance against habitat degradation and environmental change. Recent work suggests that 90–99 % of IGD should be conserved to safeguard viability of future generations.Here, we addressed such a conservation issue in three forest tree species in Italy: silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), Heldreich's pine (Pinus heldreichii H. Christ), and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.). We used microsatellite markers to measure IGD of 36 (A. alba), 15 (P. heldreichii) and 25 (Q. robur) natural sites, including several putative glacial refugia. We developed a spatial conservation planning (SCP) analysis to quantify the genetic irreplaceability of each site and identify the minimum set coverage ensuring IGD protection. Finally, we compared SCP results with the contributions to allelic diversity within and between sites, total allelic diversity and private allelic richness.We found that between 44 % and 73 % of sites were required to conserve 90–99 % of the alleles, and that this conservation effort held even when targeting lower percentages of alleles to protect (50–75 %). Glacial refugia were often included in the minimum set coverage, confirming biogeographical expectations. Finally, sites with high genetic irreplaceability were found to have higher private allelic richness on average. These results are discussed in the light of the biogeographic history of the species studied and the current policies for the conservation of forest genetic resources.

High Quality Rna Isolation and Exogenous Reference Gene for Real-time Pcr In Cedrela Odorata Seed Physiology Studies

Seed banks represent an important strategy for the conservation of forest genetic resources, although a basic understanding of the physiological changes that seeds undergo during storage that affect quality and germination is still lacking for most tropical and subtropical species. Here, we describe the optimisation of an RNA isolation procedure and reference gene normalisation for expression analysis in Cedrela odorata (cedro or Spanish cedar) seeds during different physiological states, as well as in the steady-state stem and leaf. The expression profiles of five endogenous candidate reference genes ( 18S , EF1α , GAPDH , CDC27B , PP2A2 ) and an exogenous ( HMBS ) gene were evaluated by using dedicated algorithms, including Genorm, Normfinder, Bestkeeper and Ct. We found that the expression of all endogenous genes varied considerably in response to both ageing and hydration. Therefore, using the external HMBS was a suitable alternative to evaluate gene expression in these highly contrasting physiological conditions. The reference genes EF1α and GAPDH were the most stable, and could be used for normalisation of qRT-PCR results under specific circumstances.

Biodiversity and genetic resources in forests of the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – their manifold significance

The flora, fauna and fungi of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the most diverse in Europe, whereas being abundant in endemic and relic species sets this region high at the level of global biological diversity. As much as 30% of the total endemic flora of the Balkans can be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Negative activities in the past decreased the number and led to extinction of certain plant species, causing disruption of entire ecosystems. It is not easy to preserve and improve the use of biodiversity, particularly if forest genetic resources in the Republic of Srpska (BiH) are included. Nevertheless, if a long-term plan is made and therefore implemented, the results will be evident. Each stage of protection and breeding activities has its specific purposes and in most cases it poses only a part of the overall activities. In situ and ex situ conservation methods are applied in order to preserve the essential parts of forest communities, along with environment, populations of tree species, individual species or genes. During the last two decades, starting from quantitative and population genetics, significant progress has been made in identifying indicators of genetic diversity of species. Understanding the genetic variability of forest communities is of great importance. Without this capacity it would be impossible to achieve permanent success in preserving and conserving the gene pool of a large number of species, since understanding the genetic variability itself represents an objective parameter of intra- and interpopulation adaptive and productive potential. Previous research activites in the Republic of Srpska (BiH) at morphological level focused on comparative analyses of a larger number of quantitative and qualitative properties, moreover, at molecular level it was confirmed that tree species are abundant in genetic material, which makes the starting point for both current and future breeding processes of forest tree species. Understanding the genetic potential of forests in the Republic of Srpska (BiH), and the possibilities of its targeted use, along with the economic importance, is also crucial for the processes of forest species adaptation. It is important to keep in mind that in situ conservation objects do not represent complexes made up from forest communities which are exempted from the regime of regular management and in which cultivation and protection measures are carried outas they are usually carried in forests of special purposes, in fact, they are pilot objects which need comprehensive analyses of production, adaptive and reproductive potential of tree species population. According to multiyear analyses, it is observed that life manifestations which form the basis of population stability, in both time and space, have regime and dynamics, as well. They are essential for for complex breeding methods, such as selection and hybridization. Conservation of forest genetic resources includes extremely complex and extensive activities involving previous experience, information base and financial resources. Only a systematic approach can guarantee that all important genetic resources can be kept in reasonable number of required facilities and at acceptable costs. It should be borne in mind that there are no standard solutions for in situ and ex situ conservation. Solutions should be linked and adapted to bioecological properties of species, demographic and ecogeographic environment that prevails in conservation regions, conservation objects and within national, social and political contexts. Previous activities on forest genetic resources conservation are insufficient. Moreover, unplanned and unconscious human actions (forest exploitation, forest fires, tourism development, loss of forest land, etc.) and climate change continuously endanger genetic resources. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy for preservation, conservation and targeted use of forest genetic resources in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will serve as a basis for planning activities within this area.

Conservation of forest genetic resources in protected areas - National Park “Kopaonik” as an example of good practice

Protected areas represent an important form of in situ conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources. Compared to other forest complexes, these areas are less threatened, but they are also exposed to threatening factors that lead to genetic erosion. Bear?ing in mind that the loss of genetic diversity represents one of the greatest threats to the pres?ervation of the adaptive potential of species, important for the survival of forests in conditions of climate change, the conservation of forest genetic resources can be considered an important activity in all protected areas. In recent decades, activities on the conservation of the gene pool of forest species in protected areas in Serbia have been intensified, and concrete results are already visible in some of them. As an example of good practice, this paper presents activities on the identification of rare, endangered, relict, endemic, and vulnerable woody species in the area of the National Park ?Kopaonik?, in the regime of first and second degree protection, along with an assessment of their degree of endangerment. Based on the obtained results, conservation measures of the available gene pool were proposed, the implementation of which is expected in the following period.

Microsatellites are important for forest genetic resources conservation in Brazilian biomes

Microsatellites are short sequence repeats that make up the genomes of eukaryotes and prokaryotes. They are of great importance as DNA markers for studies in several fields of genetics. In the present review, we searched for studies published in the five years period of 2017 to 2021 regarding the use of microsatellites in studies with forest tree species from the Brazilian biomes, in order to examine the importance of these markers for forest resources conservation. We searched scientific papers in journals indexed on the Scopus and Web of Science databases. There were found 38 peer reviewed articles that used microsatellites in the Brazilian biomes. The Atlantic Forest was the biome with more studies (35.9 %) and most of the studies were published in 2018 (34.2 %). In addition, most of the studied species belonged to the Fabaceae family (34.2 %). The conclusions and recommendations made in these studies ratify the great contribution of microsatellite markers in the conservation of native forest species in Brazilian biomes.

Genetic Diversity, Structure, and Differentiation of Pinus sylvestris L. Populations in the East European Plain and the Middle Urals

Genetic diversity is important for the long-term survival of species and plays a critical role in their conservation. To manifest the adaptive potential, it is necessary to preserve the allelic diversity of populations, including both typical and region-specific alleles. Molecular genetic analysis of 22 populations of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.; Pinaceae) in 10 subjects of the Russian Federation in the East European Plain and the Middle Urals was carried out. Molecular genetic analysis of 22 populations of P. sylvestris revealed 182 polymorphic PCR fragments. The studied populations are characterized by a medium level of genetic diversity. A high subdivision coefficient (GST) of the studied populations was established; the intensity was 0.559. At the same time, the level of subdivision differed for different regions; for the populations from the Middle Urals, it was 15.5% (GST = 0.155), and for the populations from the East European Plain, it was 55.8% (GST = 0.558). The dendrogram of genetic similarity shows five clusters of the studied populations of P. sylvestris according to their geographical location. The populations from the East European Plain are mostly characterized by typicality, while the populations from the Middle Urals, on the contrary, are more specific in gene pools. The use of the coefficient of genetic originality to identify populations with typical and specific alleles allows for solving the problem of selecting populations for the conservation of forest genetic resources. The data obtained on genetic diversity, and the structure of populations growing in areas of active logging, are important for determining the geographical origin of plant samples, which is an integral part of the control of illegal logging.

Tropical and subtropical Asia's valued tree species under threat.

Tree diversity in Asia's tropical and subtropical forests is central to nature-based solutions. Species vulnerability to multiple threats, which affect provision of ecosystem services, is poorly understood. We conducted a region-wide, spatially explicit assessment of the vulnerability of 63 socioeconomically important tree species to overexploitation, fire, overgrazing, habitat conversion, and climate change. Trees were selected for assessment from national priority lists, and selections were validated by an expert network representing 20 countries. We used Maxent suitability modeling to predict species distribution ranges, freely accessible spatial data sets to map threat exposures, and functional traits to estimate threat sensitivities. Species-specific vulnerability maps were created as the product of exposure maps and sensitivity estimates. Based on vulnerability to current threats and climate change, we identified priority areas for conservation and restoration. Overall, 74% of the most important areas for conservation of these trees fell outside protected areas, and all species were severely threatened across an average of 47% of their native ranges. The most imminent threats were overexploitation and habitat conversion; populations were severely threatened by these factors in an average of 24% and 16% of their ranges, respectively. Our model predicted limited overall climate change impacts, although some study species were likely to lose over 15% of their habitat by 2050 due to climate change. We pinpointed specific natural areas in Borneo rain forests as hotspots for in situ conservation of forest genetic resources, more than 82% of which fell outside designated protected areas. We also identified degraded areas in Western Ghats, Indochina dry forests, and Sumatran rain forests as hotspots for restoration, where planting or assisted natural regeneration will help conserve these species, and croplands in southern India and Thailand as potentially important agroforestry options. Our results highlight the need for regionally coordinated action for effective conservation and restoration.

울진 소광리 금강소나무림 식생구조 특성에 따른 관리방안†

The Geumgang Pine (<italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>) Forest in Sogwang-ri, Uljin has traditionally been a pine tree protection area (prohibited forest) for timber production purposes, and is now designated and managed as a protected area for forest genetic resource conservation by the Korea Forest Service. This study, we analyzed topographical characteristics, existing vegetation, tree age, and plant community structure, and proposed a sustainable management method for the Geumgang Pine (<italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>) Forest in Sogwang-ri, Uljin for timber havesting purposes. The topographical characteristics of the target area were 36.7% ridges and 38.7% valleys; the ratio of ridges to valleys was similar, and the slopes formed 24.7% of the total area. The types of pine forest communities are divided into six types based on the progress of pine forest renewal, the competition with other species such as deciduous broadleaf trees, and the formation of layered structures. It has been confirmed that the age of the large-diameter pine trees (40～60cm in diameter) is approximately 60～70 years, which is relatively low. As a result of the analysis of the relative importance percentage and layered structure, differences depended on the progress of the pine forest renewal project, and not only the maintenance of the pine forest, but also the creation of a secondary growth forest, the density adjustment of pine trees, and the active management of competitive trees. The average basal area by the community was 12,642.1～25,424.4cm² for the tree layer and 1.8～1,956.5cm² for the low tree layer based on a quadrat of 400m². The difference in the basal area appeared to depend on the size and number of trees forming the tree layer and the degree of pine forest renewal (the degree of time elapsed after thinning pine trees). The average number of species that appeared in each community was 8.7–20.3; there were many species located in valleys, and the type competes with deciduous broadleaf trees due to the lack of management. The diversity of species ranged from 0.6915-1.0942, and was evaluated as low compared to pine communities in central temperate zones. In this paper, we determined the management goals of Geumgang Pine (<italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>) Forest in Sogwang-ri, Uljin to produce timber with high economic value, and suggested efficient vegetation management for continuous afforestation, the establishment of a timber production system, and improvement of wood production as a management direction.

Integration of national activities in international initiatives for the conservation of forest genetic resources

This paper presents the process of drafting the country report on the state of forest genetic resources of the Republic of Serbia. The report was drawn up for the needs of the Second Assessment on the State of the World?s Forest Genetic Resources of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN FAO).The paper presents an overview of the objectives, methodology, sustainability of results, and contribution of the country report to the forest and nature protection sector, as well as the integration of national policies into international initiatives for the conservation of forest genetic resources. The country report contains 32 recommended activities as future steps to improve the situation in the field of conservation of forest genetic resources and meet the needs for capacity building and further research. The recommended activities are grouped into opportunities. Each opportunity is defined as a response to the challenges of all aspects of the conservation of forest genetic resources. All recommendations are defined to suit forest owners and users, who can integrate the conservation of forest genetic resources into forest management.

A review of the influence of climate change on coniferous forests in the Balkan peninsula

Evidence of climate change and global warming is becoming more visible; it is an ongoing process that is likely to become increasingly influential in the near future, not only at the global level but also at the local and regional levels. The fact that climate change affects the development of all forest communities and forest tree species, accordingly, has resulted in the increasing awareness in society towards this phenomenon. Having this in mind, the main aim of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between climate change and coniferous forests in the Balkan Peninsula, as well as to review the management strategies that may contribute to forest adaptation to climate change, with a special emphasis on the conservation of forest genetic resources. Hence, we have analyzed 202 papers regarding climate change and its effects on coniferous forests in the Balkan region, as well as papers dealing with adaptive forest management and forest genetic resources conservation. We concluded that climate change will likely represent one of the major challenges for coniferous forests on the Balkan peninsula in the future, imposing a need for the application of different management strategies to address these challenges and to facilitate adaptation of forests to the altered environmental conditions.

Selection of Restoration Material for Abies koreana Based on Its Genetic Diversity on Mt. Hallasan

The restoration of damaged or disrupted forests with genetically appropriate restoration planting material that can adapt to future environmental conditions will ensure the conservation of forest genetic resources. Abies koreana is endemic to the Republic of Korea, with declining populations under current environmental changes. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity of its largest population growing on Mt. Hallasan to determine the sampling size of planting material from the population that will ensure 95% coverage of alleles in the population. We evaluated the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of three subpopulations of A. koreana on Mt. Hallasan. A total of 456 samples were evaluated using 10 microsatellites. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.538 and 0.614 at the population level, respectively. The differences among the subpopulations accounted for 4% of the total variance. Intervals between individuals of the sample to be extracted were based on the two-target distance (5 and 10 m) inferred from the spatial genetic structure. Through random sampling methods considering the target distance, we showed that genetic diversity can be captured by obtaining at least 35 individuals in the population of A. koreana on Mt. Hallasan.

Conservation of forest genetic resources through the example of native Quercus species from the “Košutnjak” park forest in Serbia

Given the importance of urban park forests and protected natural areas in the urban environment, the implementation of the concept of genetic conservation is one of the main ways to save and improve this category of natural resources. Forests such as Košutnjak can be considered a refuge for flora and fauna and by establishing conservation programs for certain species, the entire ecosystem would be better protected. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate a systematic approach to in situ conservation of forest genetic resources in urban areas through the example of four native oak species: pedunculate oak, sessile oak, Hungarian oak and downy oak in the protected natural area “Košutnjak” in the capital of Serbia – Belgrade, to develop replicable conservation guidelines for urban park forests. The methodological framework for the development of guidelines for genetic conservation, presented in this paper, is a replicable model whose basic principles can be applied in other cases of urban park forests.

Strategies in Forestry to Combat Global Climate Change

Populations with little genetic variation are more vulnerable to the arrival of new pests or diseases, pollution, changes of climate and habitat destruction or other catastrophic events. Biological diversity is the best tool to counter environmental changes and combat climate change in uncertain future. Spatial isolation, fragmentation, increased in-breeding, low fruit set in disturbed natural forests necessitates more population sizes to generate enough variability through mutation and recombination's. Planting a diverse array of species and seed sources is a hedge in the face of global climate change. The best plantation strategy is to maintain diversity, breed for generalists, and deploy intimate mixtures of seed sources or progeny-tested families. Flowering time and seed maturation in plants could be altered in the scenario of climate change; so, should be understood and taken care off. In the era of climate change, conservation of forest genetic resources and their management is necessary to maintain required biodiversity to combat climate change. Seed banking is also a tool in combating the loss of global plant diversity.

Necesitatea aplicării cunoștințelor de genetică moleculară în gestionarea resurselor genetice forestiere din Republica Moldova

Molecular genetics plays a crucial role in the assessment of forest genetic resources. Using recently acquired genetic knowledge based on molecular markers, can contribute significantly to the development of advanced strategies for in-situ dynamic conservation of forest genetic resources in the Republic of Moldova.

Woody Species Composition, Structure and Regeneration Status in Higelely Dry Forest, Eastern Ethiopia: Implication for Conservation Priority

Dry forests are potentially contributed for the local community livelihood, microclimate stability and biodiversity conservation. However, appropriate emphasis has not given for its sustainability management. Our study aims to study the woody species diversity, vegetation structure, and recruitment and regeneration status in Higelely dry forest of Somali National Regional State of Ethiopia for the purpose of conservation priority. Systematic sampling following the transect lines and sample plots employed to collect all necessary data. Data were analyzed using access software which was designed for the purpose of forest genetic resource conservation database and data analysis tool. Forty two woody species belongs to 21 genera and 15 families were recorded. The richest families were Fabaceae and Burseraceae (represented by 11 and 7 species each). 1112.97 individuals of woody species per ha was recorded in Higelely forest. Acacia oerfota and Acacia mellifera were the top specie with higher stem numbers per ha. More than 67% of the individuals in the forest had DBH/DSH ≤ 7.5 cm and 90% of the individuals had a height ≤ 5 m. The most ecologically important species in Higelely forest were Acacia oerfota, Acacia mellifera, and Acacia bussie. Whereas, Ipomoea donaldsonii, Commiphora africana, and Acacia drepanolobium were the most threatened species in all criteria’s of IVI, population structure and regeneration status and are the first prioritized for conservation measures. The total density of 1047.3 seedling and 3033.77 sapling individuals per ha was recorded in Higelely forest. In general, the vegetation structure, population recruitment and regeneration status of some species indicates, Higelely forest is under poor conservation status. Therefore, for the conservation of woody species in Higelely dry forest, appropriate conservation measures such as in-situ (to allow natural regeneration) and cold room seed storage methods are recommended.

Conservation and use of elm genetic resources in France: results and perspectives

Abstract: Launched in 1987, the French National Programme for the Conservation of Native Elm Genetic Resources focused on the ex situ conservation of clones of adult field elms (Ulmus minor Mill.) survivors of the Dutch elm disease (DED) pandemic. It was later expanded to include the in situ dynamic conservation of populations of European white elm (U. laevis Pall.) and wych elm (U. glabra Huds.). The national collection contains 441 clones, partly characterized and evaluated in a European project. The pathological tests and experimental plantations did not reveal clones truly resistant to DED but provided material for the restoration of hedgerows. Two conservation units of white elm and one of wych elm were selected, enriching the pan-European EUFORGEN network for dynamic conservation of forest genetic resources. This programme provides feedback on genetic conservation strategies for forest trees in a health crisis. New partners are invited to make use of the scientific potential of the clone bank and experimental plots.

Review: Church forests—the green spots of Ethiopian highlands

Abstract. Mekonen AB, Gebreegziabher BG, Wassie WA, Tsegay BA. 2019. Review: Church forests—the green spots of Ethiopian highlands. Asian J For 3: 45-53. In the central and northern highlands of Ethiopia, native vegetation is almost restricted to church forests which are the only remnant natural forest in the region. The church forests are sacred because the church is believed to be the house of God and everything in its compound is sacred and respected. However, they are under severe threats by both anthropogenic and a few natural disturbances. This review paper summarizes the role of Ethiopian church forests under the authority of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Churches (EOTC) in biodiversity conservation, source of seed and seedling of native vegetation, ecological importance, ecosystem values and services to the community and to the globe in general. It also emphasizes the main challenges of these forests in terms of human disturbance and natural disturbances. It states the conservation strategies of church forests. We conclude that the EOTCs besides their religious activities played a great role in conserving the forests. However, most church forests have no clear and documented demarcations which expose them to disturbances. The churches are also cultivating fast-growing exotic species to replace native trees for the income of local residents. Finally, we recommend that the head priests should evoke and customize the conservation of sacred groves using religious thought. The government should acknowledge the church for conservation and decide to have a clear boundary for the church forest to minimize further encroachment. Forest genetic resources conservation program (in-situ), Participatory Forest Management (PFM), and rehabilitation activities have to be implemented in addition to the church conservation effort using religious thoughts, religious sanctions, and legal protection for the integrity of these remnant sacred groves. Further studies are recommended to fill the gap of sacred groves in addressing the cause of disturbance and to provide possible solutions for better conservation.

Review: Church forests—the green spots of Ethiopian highlands

Abstract. Mekonen AB, Gebreegziabher BG, Wassie WA, Tsegay BA. 2019. Review: Church forests—the green spots of Ethiopian highlands. Asian J For 3: 45-53. In the central and northern highlands of Ethiopia, the diversity and biomass of native vegetation are almost restricted to church forests which are the only remnant natural forest in the region. The church forests are sacred because the church is believed to be the house of God and everything in its compound is sacred and respected. However, they are under severe threats by both anthropogenic and a few natural disturbances. This review paper summarizes the role of Ethiopian church forests in the boundaries of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Churches (EOTC), in biodiversity conservation, source of seed and seedling of native vegetation, ecological importance, ecosystem values and services to the community and to the globe in general. It also emphasizes the main challenges of these forests i.e., humans disturbance and natural disturbances. It states the conservation strategies of church forest. We conclude that the EOTCs besides its religious activities played a great role in conserving the forests. However, most church forests have no clear and documented demarcations which enhances disturbance. The churches are also cultivating fast-growing exotic species replacing native trees for their income. Finally, we recommend that the head priests should evoke and customize the conservation of sacred groves using religious thought. The government should acknowledge the church for conservation and decide to have a clear boundary for the church forest to minimize further encroachment. Forest genetic resources conservation program (in situ type), Participatory Forest Management (PFM), and rehabilitation activities have to be implemented in addition to the church conservation effort using religious thoughts, religious sanctions, and legal protection for the integrity of these remnant sacred groves. Further studies are recommended to fill the gap of sacred groves in addressing the cause of disturbance and to provide possible solutions for better conservation.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Genetic Structure of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) at Its Southern Lineage in Europe. Implications for Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources

In the present paper we studied the genetic diversity and genetic structure of five Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) natural populations situated in Serbia, belonging to the southern lineage of the species at the southern margin of the species distribution range. Four populations occur as disjunct populations on the outskirts of the Dinaric Alps mountain chain, whereas one is located at the edge of Balkan Mountain range and, therefore, can be considered as ecologically marginal due to drier climatic conditions occurring in this region. Due to the negative effect of biotic and abiotic stress factors, the sustainability of these populations is endangered, making conservation of their genetic resources one of the key measures of Norway spruce persistence in Serbia under climatic changes. The insight on genetic diversity and genetic structure of the studied spruce populations can provide the information required for the initiation of programs aimed at the conservation and utilization of spruce genetic resources at the rear edge of species environmental limits. Norway spruce genetic variation and population genetic structure were estimated using eight EST-SSR markers. The results showed that mean expected heterozygosity was 0.616 and allelic richness 10.22. Genetic differentiation among populations was low (Fst = 0.007). No recent bottleneck effect or isolation by distance were detected. Bayesian clustering, obtained with STRUCTURE, grouped the populations into two genetic clusters, whereas UPGMA analysis distinguished three main groups approximately in line with the geographic area of occurrence. Based on the study results and the EUFORGEN Pan-European strategy for genetic conservation of forest trees, the establishment of additional dynamic gene conservation units must be considered in Serbia in order to protect the adaptive and neutral genetic diversity of the species.

State of forest genetic resources in the world and in Ukraine

The aim of the article is to generalize the information presented in the FAO report ‘The State of World Forest Genetic Resources (FGR) and in the reports on the state of forest genetic resources in Ukraine and other countries. Results and Discussion. To draw up the World Report, the information was provided by 86 countries which occupy 76% of the earth's surface and involve 85% of the total forest area. The countries’ reports cover 8,000 species of trees, palm trees and bamboo, among which about 2,400 are economically important; at that, information at the genetic level is only available for 500 to 600 species. The vast majority of important for environmental protection species (84%) are indigenous, in contrast to those economically important, 85% of which are introduced species. About 50 indigenous and non-native species of forest trees are used in the forestry of Ukraine. 26 of them are given as high-priority ones. They are used to produce wood, pulp, fuel, non-timber products, as well as to create protective plantations. The total number of species and subspecies in the world that are preserved in situ is almost 1,000, with about 500 of them – in Asia and almost 200 in both Europe and Africa. In Ukraine, there are about 30 of such species. In cases where in situ conservation is problematic, alternative methods are used, namely ex situ. The total number of species that are conserved ex situ is 1,800; at that, 1,025 of them grow in Africa, 401 – in Europe, 389 – in Asia, 372 – in Latin America and the Caribbean, 265 – in North America, 102 – in the Middle East and 57 species – in Oceania. In Ukraine, they make a stock of the seeds of more than 130 tree and shrub species, including decorative ones. Man-made forests are created with more than 20 species of trees annually. Non-native species of woody plants in the forestry of Ukraine make 39%. Methodological approaches to the study of genetic variability involve analysis of biometric, morphological and biochemical characteristics, as well as DNA markers. They analyze genetic variation as in field studies in provenance trail and progeny tests, so in laboratory studies. Conclusions. The basic tasks for the forest genetic resources conservation is to develop and implement national in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for sustainable use of FGR, to strengthen the role which forests and protective stands play in the in situ FGR conservation, and to identify first-priority measures at the species level. FGR conservation strategies should contribute to both ecosystem restoration using appropriate genetic material and adaptation to climate change along with mitigating its impacts.