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Forest genetic resources

The Second Report on the State of the World's Forest Genetic Resources
FAO Global Agrifood Biotechnologies Conference (16-18 June 2025)
FAO Conference adopts the revised Global Plan of Action
Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources
Forest genetic resources are the heritable materials maintained within and among tree and other woody plant species that are of actual or potential economic, environmental, scientific or societal value. Trees are the foundation species of forest ecosystems and many of the world’s 58 000 tree species are also an important component in other ecosystems, such as savannas and agricultural landscapes. Most tree species have high levels of genetic diversity, offering great potential for increasing the production of both wood and non-wood forest products, as well as for improving the provision of environmental services. However, this potential remains largely untapped.

Explore forest genetic resources with SilvaGRIS

World map highlighting the 80 countries reporting to SilvaGRIS in blue.

80reporting countries

Discover country profiles and data on the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources.

Explore SilvaGRIS →

2 403Species with national distribution data
35 428In situ conservation units
1 253Species in ex situ programmes
611Species in tree breeding programmes

Global reported totals · SilvaGRIS data snapshot: 21 October 2026. Reporting participation does not measure conservation status. Simplified boundaries do not express a position on territorial status or border delimitation.

Interactive story

Screenshot 2026-02-02 035643

Interactive story: Turning over a new leaf

Forests protect biodiversity, regulate climate and support millions of livelihoods. Their strength? Genetic diversity. Discover how we can safeguard our forest genetic resources for future generations. Click on the image to see the story!

Publications

Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources. Second edition.
15/12/2025

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The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources
05/09/2025

The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources provides a global assessment of forest genetic resources. It highlights the crucial role of these resources for sustainable development and examines progress in implementing the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources.

The Second Report of the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources in brief
01/05/2025

Drawing on data and information from 77 countries representing more than three-quarters of the world’s forests, The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources provides a global assessment of forest genetic resources. It highlights the crucial role of these resources for sustainable development and examines progress in implementing the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources.