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The temporary Genetic Monitoring expert group of the Federal and State Working-Group on Forest Genetic Resources and Forest Seed Law has drawn up the "Concept for the Genetic Monitoring of Forest Tree Species in the Federal Republic of Germany".
By registering changes of the genetic system which become visible only at higher levels of monitoring in subsequent forest generations (e.g. stock structure, vitality, natural rejuvenation), genetic monitoring makes a crucial contribution as early warning system for changes in the ecosystem.

The results of genetic monitoring help forestry practice, nature conservation, political counselling, science and the exchange of information with other monitoring systems. This monitoring fulfils the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Genetic monitoring includes the periodical, random or surface-oriented taking down of genetic structures and characteristics of the genetic system (e.g. population size, blooming behaviour, sexual system). Criteria of population genetic processes are to be collected through verificators according to defined indicators.

Genetic monitoring has to incorporate both managed and unmanaged forests. The selection of the tree species is made according to utilization, existence and indicator value.

In 2008, two projects have been finished which, based on the examples of the tree species of copper beech (Fagus sylvatica) and wild cherry (Prunus avium), have yielded first important results on the establishment of the genetic structure of major forest trees. By that, first steps have been taken to apply and implement the concept of genetic monitoring, make valuable methodical experiences and draw conclusions for further analyses - both for new tree species to be studied and the continuation of the analyses as time series - to be able to make statements on genetic changes within and between populations in terms of monitoring.