The role of biobanks for research and protection of forest biodiversity

The Green Paper On forest protection and information in the EU “Preparing forests for climate change” underlines that forests are not only the natural shrine of Biodiversity for richness in species and abundance of endemisms but also provide job opportunities, environmental income, material  source of wealth, goods and services at both local  and regional scales, stabilize soils, regulate watershed hydrology, seasonal flows and water supply for human use, protect settlements and infrastructure. Forests play a crucial role in self-sustaining of natural ecosystems and human environment. Hence, it can be stated that forest research is of increasing importance worldwide.

The main goal of DNA Banks is to enhance knowledge on species diversity, to contribute to the preservation of genetic resources for defining coherent conservation programs and Biodiversity monitoring, as well as to provide an effective tool to increase public awareness on the value of living systems of paramount importance. In recent times, the alarming loss and degradation of Biodiversity is a serious ecological problem involving significant social and economic consequences.

Objectives

• The Conference will highlight cutting-edge advances in all major disciplines of forest genetic resources, biodiversity conservation, and DNA/biobanks as a fundamental tool of connection. This three-day event will feature recent findings from leading academic scientists, in the form of oral communications and posters. Keynote lectures on the main issues wil be given by international experts. A forum for in-depth assessment of the challenges involved in the dynamic and fast moving field of banking research will bring together leading scientists to discuss and harmonize the latest important developments in plant genetic resources study and conservation.

• The Conference aims at being unique in promoting the translational nature of modern molecular andfield research, with a number of speakers/participants who are basic scientists in Biodiversity evaluation, forest care, and DNA/biobank management.