Animal, plant and forest genetic resources: at the center of a workshop of the European project GenRes Bridge

The objectives of the workshops :

• To share current strategies and programs with each other and analyze gaps, overlaps and synergies.
• Generate and present an overview of existing policies with an emphasis on the linkages between the three areas of animals, crops and forests, as well as biodiversity policies.
• Identify elements to develop the integrated conservation strategy for GenRes in Europe.

The work resulted in several recommendations:
    - Cooperation between fields should be strengthened at all levels.
    -The differences between the areas should be respected in the process of drafting the strategy, but at the same time the common objectives should be highlighted.
    - A common communication strategy is needed to raise awareness of the values and importance of genetic resources.
    - The role of genetic resources in climate change policies should be strengthened.
    -In situ and ex situ conservation should be considered as complementary measures, and the links between the two approaches should be improved in each area, while learning from each other.
    - Mutual understanding of terminology and its use specific to the field should be improved.
    - The pan-European conservation strategy should be extended to cover neighbouring countries as well.