What is the significance of forest genetic resources?

Forest genetic resources are essential for the adaptation and resilience of forests in the face of environmental changes and threats, such as climate change and disease outbreaks. The genetic diversity within forest populations contributes to the ability of trees to survive and thrive under varying conditions, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and the emergence of pests and pathogens. This resilience is critical for sustaining not only the health of forest ecosystems but also for ensuring the continued provision of ecosystem services that forests offer, such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and biodiversity conservation.

In contrast, while aesthetic value is important for recreational and tourism aspects, it does not encompass the broader ecological significance of genetic resources. While timber production is one of the outputs of forests, limiting the significance of genetic resources to solely timber overlooks their critical role in maintaining ecosystem health and functionality. Reducing the diversity of tree species is contrary to the goal of preserving genetic resources, as biodiversity is fundamental for robust ecosystems and preventing vulnerability to various environmental stresses. Thus, the importance of forest genetic resources extends far beyond timber, providing essential benefits for ecological adaptation and resilience.