FORGENIUS

New understanding of European forest tree diversity

• Delivered an in‑depth characterisation of genetic, functional, and ecological diversity across the European network of Genetic Conservation Units (GCUs).
• Highlighted extensive within-species and within-population diversity, including in wild relatives of crop trees.

Evidence linking diversity to environmental resilience

• Demonstrated that biological diversity (genetic, functional, ecological) correlates strongly with environmental variability.
• Showed that this diversity underpins trees’ capacity to respond to climate change and global disturbances.

Importance of within-species diversity

• Identified within-species diversity as the foundation of adaptation and ecosystem resilience.
• Emphasized its role as a source of valuable traits beneficial for societal well-being and bio‑economic opportunities.

Major Achievements Enabled by FORGENIUS

Establishment of the EUFGIS Information System (eufgis.org)

• Created a comprehensive, data‑rich platform allowing scientists and practitioners to access and analyse detailed descriptors of the GCU network.

Identification of conservation gaps

• Produced a more refined gap analysis based on population characteristics and environmental parameters, moving beyond simple geography or predefined ecozones.

Development of universal stand‑description protocols

• Designed standardised protocols for characterising forest stand properties.
• These protocols are applicable beyond the GCU network and are usable across regions outside the scope of FORGENIUS and EUFORGEN.

In addition to the above resources being permanently maintained by EUFORGEN, tranferrring FORGENIUS legacy to EUFORGEN’s Phase VII, numerous national initiatives have picked up the FORGENIUS standardised approach, thus enriching EUFGIS and carrying the message beyond the FGR context.