Forest genetic resources (FGR) are the heritable materials maintained within and among tree and other woody plant species that are of actual or potential economic, environmental, scientific or societal value. They are crucial to the adaptation and protection of our ecosystems, landscapes and production systems, yet are subject to increasing pressures and unsustainable use. At its 11th session in June 2007, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture emphasized the urgent need to conserve and sustainably use FGR, and included a report on The State of the World's Forest Genetic Resources in its Multi-Year Program of Work. On the basis of the information and knowledge compiled by FAO for The State of World's Forest Genetic Resources, the Commission developed the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources, adopted by the FAO Conference at its 38th session in June 2013. This Global Plan of Action identifies 27 strategic priorities grouped into 4 areas: 1) improving the availability of, and access to, information on FGR; 2) conservation of FGR (in situ and ex situ); 3) sustainable use, development and management of FGR; 4) policies, institutions and capacity-building.Implementation of the Global Plan of Action will strengthen the sustainability of the management of FGR while contributing towards the Millennium Development Goals, the post-2015 agenda and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. While primary responsibility for implementation lies with governments, FAO has a strong commitment to supporting countries in these efforts, working with governments and other partners at the national, regional and international levels and in line with FAO's Reviewed Strategic Framework approved by its Member States. Indeed, the Global Plan of Action is an integral part of FAO's efforts to realize its Strategic Objective 2, to "increase and improve provision of goods and services from agriculture, forestry and fisheries in a sustainable manner."
