Project information
Project manager
Johan Bergh
Participating organizations
Vytautas Magnus University, State Forest Service, Agency for Renewable Resources, Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava", Estonian University of Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, University of Copenhagen, Forest Research Institute, Latvia's State Forests, Association LithuaniaBIO, Estonian State Forest Management Centre
Financier
Interreg Baltic Sea Region
Timetable
March 2025 – February 2028
Subject
Forestry and Wood Technology, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology (Faculty of Technology)
Research group
Forest Management
Linnaeus Knowledge Environment
Green Sustainable Development
Website
interreg-baltic.eu/project/diverse_gene_watch/
More about the project
Forests are one of our most valuable natural resources, but climate change and other pressures threaten their survival. DIVERSE_GENE_WATCH is creating a cross-border network to monitor the genetic diversity of key tree species and strengthen forest resilience in a time of climate change.
The health and resilience of forests rely on high genetic variation among tree species. This project brings together scientists, authorities, forest owners, and NGOs to build a transnational system that tracks genetic diversity over time.
The system includes:
- A network of monitoring sites for key tree species across the region.
- Advanced methods such as DNA analyses, tree trait measurements, and satellite-based remote sensing.
- Action plans to boost genetic diversity if declines are detected.
- National implementation to ensure results are applied in practice.
By detecting early signs of reduced genetic diversity, the project can suggest measures to maintain resilient and biodiverse forests.
DIVERSE_GENE_WATCH acts as a cross-border network and could become a model for similar initiatives across Europe – a step towards stronger, greener, and more resilient forests.
