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Database FGRDEU-Online

The database named "FGRDEU-Online - Holdings of Forest Genetic Resources in Germany" provides extensive information on genetic conservation measures on tree and shrub species. The database is operated as a joint project of the Federal and State Working-Group on Forest Genetic Resources and Forest Seed Law (BLAG) and the IBV of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). It constitutes the National Inventory of Forest Genetic Resources in Germany. The data is updated and complemented every few years.

In Germany the focus of measures for the conservation of forest genetic resources is on numerous tree and shrub species. The database allows searching tree and shrub species, priority themes in the Laender, in situ and ex situ conservation measures as well as relevant publications and research projects.

Based on a keyword search for woody plant species, a fact file on the corresponding species where all data in the database is contained is established.

In addition, summary surveys for the whole of Germany are offered for the in situ and ex situ conservation measures. Tree species covered by the scope of the Forest Reproductive Material Act (FoVG) are in main focus.
The data is part of the regular reports of BLAG activities.

FGRDEU - Online is a contribution to the implementation of the Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Forest Genetic Resources in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Information System on the Supply of Forest Reproductive Material in Germany

The reproductive material of trees does not give any indication as to their origin. It provides no visible hint of whether it comes from an individual tree in a house garden or from forest stands in rainy altitudes or in low-lying regions with low precipitation. Yet this information is decisive for the assessment of the suitability of the reproductive material for use at a certain location.

If unsuited reproductive material is used, the newly established stand is liable to show heavy losses or unsatisfactory increases, be susceptible to pests, suffer considerably from snowbreak, or even perish. In forestry, such genetically induced disadvantages - unlike in agriculture - can often be recognized only after decades. Then it is not only too late for making the supplier of the reproductive material liable, but also for preventing economic and ecological damage.

The "Forest Reproduction Online" information system is a summary of the annual survey by the Federal Office on the supply situation regarding forest reproductive material in the Federal Republic of Germany. It is a joint project of the Units 324 (Seeds, Forestry, Sales Promotional Measures) and 513 (IBV) of the BLE.

Database of Strict Forest Reserves (NWR) in Germany

Whether it is about closed forests, total reserve areas, forest reserves, natural forest cells, natural forest lots, process protected areas or natural forests: the different names represent one common idea, the forest region will be completely left to its own resources, and study their independent evolution. NWR serve for research and nature conservation. Science and nature conservation have the same interest in an up-to-date overview of the situation of NWR in Germany. Moreover, Germany has undertaken, within the framework of international agreements, to make available to the public information on the extent of protected areas and the degree of man-made effects on forest vegetation.

In Germany there hasn't been so far any reliable and up-to-date overview of the surfaces covered by forests that were taken out of use. This situation prompted the Standing Committee of Forestry Officers of the Laender and the Federal Government to charge the Natural Forests project group in the Forest Management Planning work group with the development of a solution for up-to-date and reliable statistics on NWR in Germany. In cooperation with the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food, an internet-based NWR database was then created and made available to the public at the end of November 2007.

Currently there are 719 NWR with a surface of about 31,400 hectares in the store. During the past years the number of NWR has sharply increased. Each NWR is described by a multitude of data (administrative data, surface size, geographical coordinates, forest ecosystems, tree species, potential natural vegetation, soil characteristics, overlapping of other categories of protection etc.).