REGEN Network launched to boost Genetic Resources conservation in Spain
The REGEN network strengthens Spain’s capacity to conserve and manage genetic resources through research integration, training and policy engagement, supporting European strategies on biodiversity and forest genetic resources.
Spain stands out as a centre of biodiversity, with numerous genetic resource collections distributed across various institutions and government bodies. However, the current structure for managing and utilising these resources remains complex and fragmented.
In response to this challenge, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) launched a new initiative in January 2025 to address the growing challenges in the conservation and management of genetic resources: the Genetic Resources Network REGEN (https://conexion-regen.csic.es).
Coordinated by Pedro Revilla Temiño (MBG-CSIC) and co-coordinated by Delphine Grivet (ICIFOR-INIA, CSIC), REGEN aims to strengthen collaboration and foster synergies among researchers working with a wide range of collections and organisations across Spain. The network focuses on the conservation of genetic resources, both ex situ and in situ, across four key domains: aquatic, phytogenetic, forestry and livestock.
Initially set to run for two years, REGEN is beginning to take shape through four main lines of action:
• Integration of scientific activity related to aquatic, plant, forest and livestock genetic resources
• Conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources
• Resilience and adaptation to changing climate conditions
• Multidisciplinary training for effective genetic resource management
The network currently brings together more than 170 experts from 17 CSIC institutes, seven universities and 17 entities, including ministerial departments, regional government centres and other organisations. This broad and diverse collaboration aims to strengthen both national and international partnerships, while actively supporting the implementation of major European policy frameworks such as the European Strategy on Genetic Resources and the European Strategy on Forest Genetic Resources.
REGEN is structured around several working groups focusing on:
• Coordination and integration of scientific efforts
• Engagement of public administrations in conservation and sustainability
• Impact on public policy
• Attracting and retaining talent
• International collaboration and coordination
