The concept of forest genetic resources, as used in this note, refers to the actual or potential value of genetic variation contained in trees and shrubs at the levels of species, populations, individuals and genes. Genetic variation underlies evolutionary processes and the adaptation of species to changes in the environment.
Variation is also essential for selection and breeding to meet present and future human needs.
Genetic variation is today rapidly eroding, mainly because of land use changes resulting in habitat loss and degradation, and as a result of selection and improvement carried out without attention to genetic conservation. Uncontrolled movement of germplasm and hybridization among local and introduced species and provenances, which may lead to the loss of locally adapted gene pools, further aggravate the problem. While changes and some losses in diversity are inevitable as a result of both natural and human-induced causes, genetic variation can be conserved and enhanced through a wide range of human activity. The aim of genetic management is to safeguard the evolutionary potential of dynamically evolving ecosystems and species, and to ensure the enhancement and sustainable utilization of the genetic variation available to meet present and future human needs. The specific objectives of genetic management change as environmental, economic and social conditions and requirements continually shift.