FAO's activities related to forest genetic resources are guided by a Panel of Experts on Forest Gene Resources, established 25 years ago. This panel sets up priorities in FAO's programmes and activities for the conservation and sustainable management of forest genetic resources. FAO's Forest Resources Assessment focused mainly on documenting resources and trends in natural forests, woodlands and forest plantations in the world. It also briefly addressed the potential impacts of fragmentation on biological diversity. The Tropical Forest Action Programme is aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of tropical forest resources, contributing to development and poverty alleviation.
Aquatic ecosystems are another important question of concern.
The aquatic diversity exists mainly in the wild since the world's oceans have remained intact until very recently. Tropical waters, both ocean and inland, are the richest in terms of species diversity. For the most part, the aquatic harvest consists of wild rather than farmed species. Aquatic biodiversity is threatened primarily by environmental degradation and mismanagement of both the living resources and the ecosystems that support them. Loss of habitats, over-exploitation and introduction of exotic species are the prime hazards.