Genetic diversity provides the fundamental basis for the evolution of forest species and for their adaptation to change. Conserving forest genetic resources (FGR) is therefore vital as they constitute a unique and irreplaceable resource for the future. At its Eleventh Regular Session, the FAO Commission on genetic resources for food and agriculture (CGRFA) acknowledged the urgency to conserve and sustainably utilize forest genetic resources to support food security, poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. The Commission agreed to the preparation of a country-driven first report on The State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources (SoW-FGR) and recommended that the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO) and the Regional Forestry Commissions be fully involved in the preparation of the SoW-FGR, and that the work be undertaken in synergy with National Entities and relevant regional and global programmes and instruments.