The cluster Forest Genetic Resources is involved in the conservation and the promotion of sustainable use of genetic diversity of endemic species of trees and shrubs.
Evolution of trees and shrubs can best take place in their natural environment. Genetic diversity is the basis for such evolution, since it contributes to the versatility and the capacity to adapt, and hence to the survival of the species in future. Moreover, genetic diversity forms the basis for a sustainable and multi-functional forestry.
Tasks:
- Promoting conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources as part of sustainable forest management
- Developing methods to conserve the genetic diversity in Dutch forests.
- Performing utility research in forest trees to provide information for the National List of Varieties and Provenances of Trees.