Chapter 3: State Of Woodlands and Agroforests. In FAO (Ed.), The Second Report on The State of The Worlds Forest Genetic Resources (Pp. 29-36). FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Assessments

Abstract

Forests and woodlands provide essential global benefits, including hosting biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, protecting soils, and mitigating climate change. Central to these benefits are forest genetic resources (FGR): the heritable materials within tree and woody plant species that hold economic, scientific, and environmental value. These resources are vital for the resilience and productivity of ecosystems, allowing them to withstand environmental stresses. This work provides a global assessment of FGR based on data from 77 countries, highlighting their role in sustainable development and reviewing progress in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action. It concludes with strategic recommendations for national and international action to ensure FGR are sustainably managed for future generations.