As reported by the BBC, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation has recently released an action plan regarding protection of the world’s forest genetic resources:
“Data from 86 countries illustrate that insufficient awareness of the importance of forest genetic resources… often translate into national policies that are partial, ineffective or non-existent,” explained Linda Collette, secretary of the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA).
“Only about 3% of the world’s tree species are actively managed,” she added.
(Break)
It say genetic diversity forms the “mainstay of biological diversity”, enabling species to adapt to changing environments, such as climate change and emerging diseases.
The plan adds: “FGR(Forest Genetic Resources) provide a direct food source for human and animals, even at times when annual crops fail.”
(Break)
FAO assistant director-general for forestry Eduardo Rojas-Briales observed: “Forests provide food, goods and services which are essential to the survival and well-being of all humanity.
The New Message itself states that “Half the world’s forests should be preserved”, so this plan, if put into effect, would be a welcome development in light of the changing world.
To read more about the changing world and what you can do to prepare, visit: www.greatwavesofchange.org
