A new global information system on forest genetic resources - SilvaGRIS - was launched today in conjunction with the Twentieth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Rome, 24-28 March 2025). SilvaGRIS makes available the data countries report to FAO for monitoring the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources and for preparing global assessments on these resources. The first dataset was provided by 77 countries, which reported more than 2 800 species for the preparation of The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources.

SilvaGRIS was developed between 2020 and 2024 in consultation with the National Focal Points on forest genetic resources and under the guidance of the Commission and its Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Forest Genetic Resources. The work also benefitted from inputs provided by other national experts during regional meetings and from FAO’s collaboration with regional networks on forest genetic resources and international partners. The development of SilvaGRIS was supported by the Government of Germany with extrabudgetary contributions.