The Director General of Planning and Forest Management, Luisa Piñeiro, today inaugurated in Santiago de Compostela the biennial follow-up meeting of the National Plan for the Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources and the National Plan for Forest Genetic Improvement. The event brings together administrations and forestry stakeholders to analyze progress, exchange experiences, and strengthen collaboration in the conservation and improvement of forest genetic resources.
Piñeiro highlighted that both plans, developed within the framework of the Spanish Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Forest Genetic Resources, establish a "common roadmap" to advance in the conservation, characterization, evaluation, improvement, and sustainable use of these assets. She emphasized that, in the context of climate change and growing threats to forest ecosystems, the conservation of genetic diversity and the improvement of forest reproductive materials are "essential tools" for enhancing the adaptability and resilience of forests.
Furthermore, the Director General stressed the importance of cooperation between administrations and research centers, noting that the conservation and improvement of forest genetic resources require "a long-term vision, sustained planning, and the commitment of all involved administrations and stakeholders." She mentioned the contribution of the Lourizán Forest Research Centre (CIF), the Biological Mission of Galicia, and Galician university research groups, as well as national reference centers like the Forest Science Institute (ICIFOR).
