Objective
The project adresses biodiversity in terms of genetic diversity within and between carrier species of Alpine forest ecosystems. It will create a novel data pool in order to better understand the function and dynamics of ecosystems and to tansfer results into practice. By this, our project will also help to implement the Strasbourg/Rio/Helsinki process in conservation of biodiversity in forest ecosystems.
Alpine forest ecosystems are increasingly threatened by environmental changes and are modified by forest management and land-use. Genetic diversity plays a major role in the sensitivity, stability and dynamics of ecosystems, because it determines the adaptive potential of species to changing environments. Until now there is a lack of genetic inventories in Alpine ecosystems. Our project focuses on significant tree species in high elevated regions, i. a. habitats with high priority in preservation. Species are Abies alba, Larix decidua, Picea abies, Pinus cembra, Pinus mugo. Species will be studied simultaneously along altitudinal transects up to the timberline at 15 locations throughout the Alps. Working packages:
A: Sampling and monitoring: Assessment of diversity within species (inter- and interpopoulational) and among species by means of isoenzymes, DNA-markers and metric traits. Populations are adult stands, natural/artificial regeneration, provenance and other field trials, commercial reproductive material.
B: Analysis and modelling: Quantification of biodiversity incl. metric traits and genetic resources; prediction of dynamics with respect to reproduction, response to stress, adapation and high risk situations followin enetic erosion and inbreeding.interdisciplinary characterization Of high elevated ec base for
C: Validation and exploitation of results: Novel data osystems (ecological base for sustainable development); evaluation methods for genetic resources and genetic certification; genetic criteria for conservation and restoration of high elevated forest ecosystems, sustainable forest management; genetically improved reproductive material for afforestation.
The partnership consists of 11 participants which represent various fields in forest genetics, ecology, forestry and private enterprise. Each participant has specific responsibilities all over the project. Exploitation addresses end-users of marketable prqducts (genetically improved forest reproductive material) and institutions/organisations/administrations, which are involved in the sustainable management of Alpine ecosystems. A book on Alpine forest ecosystems will summarize the achievements of the project and facilitate its transfer into practice.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
85354 FREISING
Germany