PGR Forum
European crop wild relative diversity assessment and conservation forum
PGR ForumEuropean crop wild relative diversity assessment and conservation forum |
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PGR Forum is a Thematic Network providing a platform for the assessment of taxonomic and genetic diversity of European crop wild relatives and the development of appropriate conservation methodologies.
Crop wild relatives are taxa related to species of direct socio-economic importance, including food, fodder and forage, medicinal plants, condiments, ornamentals, forestry species, as well as plants used for industrial purposes, such as oils and fibres. Crop wild relatives include plants harvested directly from the wild, and under-utilised species. They are essential components of natural and semi-natural habitats, as well as agricultural systems. Their conservation and sustainable use is vital for improving agricultural production and increasing food security, as well as maintaining the environment.
Europe is an important centre for crop wild relative diversity, with more than 21,000 taxa found across the region. Although it is acknowledged that populations of crop wild relatives throughout Europe are under threat from habitat alteration and loss, their conservation across the region has received relatively little systematic attention; and while some European crop wild relative material is conserved ex situ , their conservation in situ has not been the subject of significant debate
PGR Forum is building an information system providing access to European crop wild relative data, and guidelines for their conservation, with a particular focus on in situ techniques. These practical guidelines include methodologies for in situ data management, threat and conservation assessment, genetic reserve location and management, population monitoring, and genetic erosion and pollution assessment.
PGR Forum brings together 23 partners from 21 countries, with the addition of partners representing IUCN -The World Conservation Union and the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). A broad cross-section of the professional European PGR community is represented. The project duration is 36 months, with a start date of November 1st 2002, and is coordinated by the University of Birmingham, UK.
Arnica montana, Photographer: Kerstin Olsson 