Joint EUFORGEN-OptFORESTS webinar: Detecting genetic decline – From theory to practice
6 & 7 November 2025 (two hours each day). Online
- Day 1 6 November - 13:00 - 15:00 CET
- Day 2 7 November - 11:00 - 13:00 CET
The EUFORGEN Webinar Series 2025 continues with a two-part online event, organised in collaboration with the Horizon Europe project OptFORESTS. The webinar How to detect genetic decline – From theory to practice will take place on 6 and 7 November 2025, running for two hours on each day.
This event will bring together experts from conservation, forestry and restoration genetics to exchange cross-disciplinary knowledge on how to detect genetic decline in populations. It will also explore thresholds for intervention and practical steps to safeguard genetic diversity. The programme is designed to strengthen links between different communities working on biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management.
Day 1 (6 November, 13:00–15:00 CET)
The first session will examine how to detect genetic decline and risk in natural populations, combining theoretical perspectives with case studies from different organisms. Presentations will focus on measures, indicators and thresholds, and will address the crucial question of when to intervene to protect genetic diversity.
Speakers include:
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Alicia Mastretta-Yanes (Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, UK)
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Geir Bolstad (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research)
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Ophelie Ronce (Institute of Evolutionary Science of Montpellier, France)
The session will close with a 30-minute discussion led by François Lefèvre (INRAE).
Day 2 (7 November, 11:00–13:00 CET)
The second session will focus on genetic diversity in forest trees and forestry. Topics will include evaluating genetic change in forest stands, breeding practices, management of genetic diversity, the role of breeding material in climate adaptation, and ex-situ conservation strategies.
Speakers include:
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Marjana Westergren (Slovenian Forestry Institute)
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Arne Steffenrem (Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research)
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Jan-Peter George (Natural Resources Institute Finland)
The session will close with a 30-minute discussion led by Erik Kjær (University of Copenhagen).
The webinar is aimed at researchers, practitioners in natural resource management and forestry, as well as stakeholders and students interested in conservation genetics and forest management.
Participation requires prior registration (soon available).
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The recording of the webinar will be made available on YouTube after its completion.
Want to know more about the EUFORGEN Webinar series? You can now check out all the topics we've covered at this link or follow us on YouTube and explore all the recordings!
