The genetic diversity of our plants and forests at risk
On 26 March 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) issued an alarming press release entitled ‘The genetic diversity of our plants and forests is at risk, warn new FAO reports’. The report stresses that the genetic diversity of plants and forests is essential to ensure the resilience of ecosystems in the face of growing threats such as diseases, pests and climate change. The loss of this diversity compromises our ability to adapt our agrifood systems to future challenges and to guarantee global food security.
The crucial role of genetic diversity in forests
The genetic diversity of plants plays a crucial role in providing the traits needed to develop crops that are resistant to extreme climatic conditions, diseases and pests. Without effective conservation of this diversity, our options for improving and adapting crops diminish, putting food production at risk. Similarly, the genetic diversity of forests is fundamental to maintaining the health of forest ecosystems, their productivity and their ability to provide vital ecosystem services.
🖥️ FAO – Assessing Plant Genetic Resources
📁 Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
📁 Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources
Faced with this worrying situation, the FAO is calling for concerted action to preserve and sustainably use plant genetic resources. This involves strengthening in situ (on-site) and ex situ (off-site) conservation efforts, promoting the sustainable use of genetic resources and supporting farmers, indigenous peoples and local communities in their conservation initiatives.
AIFM committed to biodiversity
The International Association for Mediterranean Forests (AIFM) shares this concern and is actively involved in preserving Mediterranean forest biodiversity. Created in 1996, AIFM works to preserve, enhance and pass on the Mediterranean forest heritage. It supports projects to restore degraded ecosystems, promotes sustainable forest management practices and encourages the development of sustainable forest industries and ecotourism. By encouraging exchanges of knowledge and experience between players in 25 countries, AIFM is helping to strengthen the resilience of Mediterranean forests in the face of current and future challenges.
Find out more about our current biodiversity initiatives: RESCOM, INTEGRADIV and StrategyMedFor.
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Vous êtes chercheur, gestionnaire forestier ou simplement passionné par la nature ? N’hésitez pas à vous abonner à notre newsletter pour recevoir les dernières informations. Vous pouvez également nous contacter pour toute question ou pour participer à nos projets.