International Training Programme: Conservation and Management of Forest Genetic Resources in Eastern Europe 

The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the Federal Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and Water Management (BMLFUW) of Austria are pleased to announce the International Training Programme on Conservation and Management of Forest Genetic Resources in Eastern Europe.

Background
The conservation and sustainable management of forest genetic resources is essential to the stability of the forest environment. Beyond their contribution to ecological balance, forests rich in genetic diversity provide social and environmental benefits and help meet increasing timber demands in a sustainable way. Forests in eastern Europe and particularly in the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union represent a significant proportion of the global forest cover. They harbour very valuable and often unique genetic diversity which is as well of global importance. This Training Course will be held within the framework of activities to implement the resolutions of the Ministerial Conference for the Protection of Forest in Europe (MCPFE), in particular S2, H1, H3 and L2.

Purpose and Outputs
The main purpose is to improve the conservation and promote sustainable use of forest genetic resources in eastern Europe with particular emphasis on the former Soviet Union. In the first course, participants will be trained in conservation, management and sustainable use and evaluation of genetic resources.

• Increased capacity of young forest officers and managers from east European countries in the understanding, conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources;

• Strengthened national programmes and long-term strategies on forest genetic resources;

• Increased awareness of professional forest officers and the general public about the importance of forest genetic resources.

Target Participants
The programme will be open to mid-level professionals from the forestry sector (state forest services, forestry enterprises, environmental agencies) of Newly Independent States of the Former Soviet union  as well as countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).  University degree in forestry or related disciplines, with fair understanding of genetics is required. Good knowledge of the English language and an age limit of 35 will be additional criteria for selecting appropriate trainees. The number of trainees will be 20 to 25 in each training course.

Costs
The Training Course is entirely free of charge. Travel, excursion and accommodation costs will be covered and training material will be provided.

Structure of the Training Programme
The whole Training Programme is structured into three modules in subsequent years:

Year 1: Conservation, evaluation, management and sustainable use  of biodiversity with emphasis on forest genetic resources (scheduled for April-May 2001)

Year 2: Genetics in forestry, silviculture and tree improvement; links with nature protection and ecosystem conservation (under preparation)

Year 3: Integrated approach to the conservation and management of forest genetic resources; policy and legal aspects (under preparation)

The three modules complement each other and should be regarded as a complete training programme providing the trainees with a comprehensive insight into the theory and practice of the conservation and management of genetic resources in forestry, including links with breeding, nature conservation, overall forestry management, policy and legal aspects. However, each module will be developed as a separate training course focussing on the respective subject. All three modules would preferably be attended by all or most of the trainees selected. Each module will have a two-week duration.

Venue
Austrian Training Centre Gmunden
A-4810 Gmunden
Johann-Ort-Allee 16
Austria

Dates
29 April -12 May 2001 (11 working days)

Applications
A large number of applications were received, and 25 candidates from 16 countries have been selected to attend the course. Click here to view the full programme of the course.

Contacts
For further information about this Training Programme contact:

Contact EUFORGEN Secretariat about this page