Planting resilient forests starts with seeds: EUFORGEN at ISF Congress 2026
EUFORGEN contributed to the International Seed Federation (ISF) Congress 2026, highlighting the importance of forest genetic resources, international cooperation, and policy frameworks to support resilient forests under growing climate and environmental pressures.
The EUFORGEN Secretariat contributed to the International Seed Federation (ISF) Congress 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal, through participation in a panel discussion on the role of forest reproductive material in building resilient forests.
Anna-Maria Farsakoglou (EUFORGEN Secretariat) took part in the session entitled Planting resilient forests starts with seeds, alongside representatives from ISF and the private sector. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring access to and the long-term conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources as a foundation for successful, adaptive forest restoration and reforestation efforts.
In the context of increasing climate variability, including more frequent and severe droughts and wildfires, the session emphasised the need to strengthen international cooperation and policy frameworks supporting the production, exchange, and deployment of high-quality forest reproductive material. Particular attention was given to the role of genetic diversity in enhancing the adaptive capacity of forest ecosystems.
The panel also addressed the importance of enabling regulatory and trade conditions that facilitate the safe and effective movement of forest seeds and planting material across borders, while maintaining genetic integrity and promoting innovation.
The session took place on 20 May 2026 in a hybrid format, combining in-person participation with online contributions, with EUFORGEN represented remotely.
