WP2‒GRS4E: has developed the GRS4E, via three pillars: i) identifying and engaging GenRes stakeholders; ii) reviewing and analysing existing EU GenRes management strategies, and iii) collaboration between three EU GenRes networks (ECPGR, ERFP & EUFORGEN). For the 1st time, this assembled the mosaic of existing knowledge, strategies and stakeholders. WP2 identified overlaps, gaps and possible synergies between the 3 GenRes domains (plant, animal & forest), wider (agro)biodiversity management activities and relevant stakeholders, for more effective conservation and use of EU GenRes. WP2 produced a comprehensive stakeholder list, a review report and the GRS4E with a concrete action plan. The plan outlines the EU policy framework and provides a vision on how to best conserve and sustainably use forest, plant, and animal GenRes in Europe. The GRS4E is publicly available, along with domain-specific GenRes strategies from ECPGR, ERFP & EUFORGEN.
WP3‒GenRes in action: i) reviewed the scientific context for developing GRS4E; ii) assembled evidence to support developing in situ GenRes conservation measures and their implementation; iii) contributed to valorising and conserving GenRes within an agro-ecological framework, and iv) compiled scientific messages for the preparation of the GRS4E (in WP2). WP3 provided demonstration cases and an overview of regional genetic diversity hotspots, to outline assessment gaps and help consolidate cross-domain GenRes conservation. WP3’s survey work showed that current GenRes network services are available, used and appreciated across a range of stakeholders, and highlighted a need to collaborate and develop common cross-domain services and activities. Cross-domain quality-management peer reviews proved positive, providing a means for increasing genebank transparency, and of mutual learning. WP3 considered phytosanitary barriers to GenRes exchange, and proposed collaborative actions for safe GenRes exchange via harmonized protocols. These were integrated in GRS4E and the domain-specific strategies. WP3 has reached all milestones and produced a higher-than-planned number of deliverables, some key to the GRS4E.
WP4‒GenRes Data: i) Through workshops, webinars and WP3 interactions WP4 updated partners’ data-management knowledge on both FAIR principles, and on data-user service needs. ii) WP4 also considered better data integration within and between domains and beyond with data from other stakeholders. iii) WP4 developed a proof-of-concept portal to access GenRes accessions data to complement the GenRes Gateway (WP5). iv) These helped develop a publicly-available “Strategy and priorities for delivering information services to end users”. v) WP4 established a shared vision for biodiversity data commons via the European data infrastructure ELIXIR and other infrastructures (GBIF, DISSCO); vi) WP4 updated and tested guidelines for data curation and submission to the central networks repositories. vii) GenRes Bridge spearheaded the successful launch of the Genetic Resources journal with stakeholder support for the journal’s sustainability plan.
WP5‒GenRes Bridge communications have been successful in increasing project visibility and helping develop and promote the GRS4E, which will contribute to improving and harmonising GenRes conservation and sustainable use within regional agricultural and forestry systems’. The key dissemination tools of project website and twitter will continue to provide access to project outputs. A key dissemination success was the GRS4E launch in Brussels.
