Success of the joint EVOLTREE–FORGENIUS conference on Integrative diversity of forest ecosystems
The conference, organized by the Institute of Forest Sciences (ICIFOR, INIA-CSIC), brought together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how innovative science can support resilient forest ecosystems in a rapidly changing environment. Across five thematic sessions, participants shared new tools, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary approaches for bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical action.
The sessions covered:
- New Tools for Science to Reach Practise
- Forest Adaptation: Improving Resilience to Biotic and Abiotic Pressures
- Navigating Multiple Global Change Pressures: The Role of Phenotypic Variability
- Breeding for Resilience: Integrating Novel Phenotyping & Genomics for Urgent Adaptive Solutions
- Prioritising Forest Conservation Through Genetic Diversity
During the conference, two field trips were organized with the collaboration of ICIFOR’s MaX Project (CSIC DEEPMAX-2024), focusing on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Mediterranean Forest Genetic Resources: (i) one to a Quercus suber Genetic Conservation Unit (GCU) in the dehesa of Hoyo de Manzanares (Madrid), and (ii) the other to the National Centre for Forest Genetic Resources in Puerta de Hierro (managed by MITECO, Madrid).
The conference attracted nearly 180 participants from more than 25 countries, and benefited from a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere provided by joining two communities:
- the EVOLTREE network, which addresses global issues that European forests are currently facing, linking ecology, genetics, genomics and evolution,
- the EU H2020 FORGENIUS project, which aims to improve access to forest genetic resources information and services for end-users.
For more information (book of abstracts, forthcoming oral presentation material and photo gallery) please visit the following link.