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The fact that in situ conservation of forest genetic resources in Switzerland until recently was focused on rare
species is also linked to a very strong trend in Swiss sylviculture towards predominantly natural regeneration
with planting activities of currently yearly rates of not more than 1.5 mio trees (60% conifers, 40% deciduous,
plus several shrubs). Plantations are mainly done with a view to enrich naturally regenerating areas with
desired species (e.g. spruce or Douglas fir in a matrix of naturally regenerating matrix of deciduous trees).
Before the background of climate change and the consequent necessity to foster the adaptive capacity of
forests there is a growing interest to know more about eco-typical differentiation data of main species like
spruce, beach or silver fir).
2.3.2.
Constraints
•
There is a significant lack of knowledge for many priority species: partially even missing distribution
data as well as morpho- and/or ecotypical differentiation data and genetic data.
•
Structural problems concerning low scale patterns in ownership and traditionally multifunctional use
of forest area are complicating the necessary precedency of genetic conservation in dynamic
conservation units and the respective contracting.
•
Continuous reorganization and currently few capacities of national forest administration led to a lack
of strategy and resources for research and realization of programs.
2.3.3.
Future priorities
1.
Decision on long term strategy and road map (2013-2020) for the realization of a national in situ
conservation program for priority species in accordance with available resources.
2.
Realization of most important/urgent in situ gene conservation measures:
2.1. Establishment of in situ conservation units after reconsideration of EUFORGEN expectations and
synergies with other conservation and biodiversity activities, in particular the Swiss Biodiversity
Strategy (currently expected EUFORGEN core units for selected model species in Switzerland: 18
units for 12 species).
2.2. Establishment of a GIS database for forest genetic resources integrating existing and new data
(conservation units, forest reserves, seed stands).
2.3. Integration of forest practice in all evaluation and selection processes for dynamic conservation
units, especially with a view to increase adaptive capacity in Swiss sustainable forest management
(sensitization, collaboration – cf. SEBA methodology)
3.
Research on most important basic knowledge
3.1. Assessment of existing forest reserves for synergetic use as in situ conservation units for main
tree species.
3.2. Assessment of existing selected seed stands for synergetic use as in situ conservation units for
several tree species.
3.3. Coordination of research activities on basic knowledge (distribution, ecotype variation, genetic
constitution) of priority species at universities and research institutes.
3.4. Integration of aspects of adaptation to climate change, e.g. adaptive capacity of main tree species.
ETHZ/BAFU
10.03.2013