News
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08.02.2012 -
FAO: Vacancy Announcement
The FAO-Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture seeks for its Secretariat a genetic resources officer within the APO-Programme (Associate Professional Officer). Applications are possible till 26.02.2012. go to weblink
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06.02.2012 -
Forest Condition Survey 2011 published
The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) published the results of the national forest condition survey 2011. The recent survey shows that the condition of the forest in Germany compared to last year has deteriorated slightly: The condition of beech trees has deteriorated, spruce and pine trees are almost unchanged, significant recovery of oak trees. In addition no damage was reported for 37 percent of the trees. This information provides an important basis for forest and environmental policy decisions regarding the protection of the forests.go to weblink
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01.02.2012 -
The cod on the trail
For the TV-documentary “The Fish Chasers” scientists from the Thünen Institute for Sea Fisheries were accompanied by a camera team on a research cruise on the North Sea on the Fisheries Research Vessel “Walther Herwig III.” Every Winter, the North Sea coastal states determine their fish stocks. The research vessel "Walther Herwig III" is in public mission on the way. The detected figures are the basis for determining of annual catch quotas for Europe's fishermen. go to weblink
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01.02.2012 -
Pleasingly high crab density in the North Sea
The stock of brown shrimp or common shrimp (Crangon crangon) is currently at a high level. This was evident on two research trips undertaken by the scientists of the Thünen-Institute for Sea Fisheries in Hamburg with the fisheries research vessel Solea. go to weblink
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30.01.2012 -
Cherry of the year 2012
The „Flamentiner“ is choosen to the cherry of the year 2012. This variety is likely to came in existence in the second half of the 17th century by Angers in the northern part of France. 1804 it was listed in the catalogue of the national tree nursery of Paris under the name “Le Flammentin”. Still at the beginning of the 20th century the variety was distributed in whole Germany and in bordering countries. In the following decades the variety disappeared in cultivation and was neither in the tree nurseries nor in the assortments of fruit-growing institutes available. Therefore it had to be categorized as missing.go to weblink
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26.01.2012 -
Digital maps for sustainable mountain forests
The "Forest Information System Northern Alps" (WINALP) has adopted as its goal the generation of scientific principles for the sustainable management of, and preventative measures against, natural hazards to the environs of mountain forests. All information for this database are prepared in a user-friendly manner in special digital maps and handbooks, in order to be made available for forest-development planners, and forest workers, e.g. for either site-specific forest management, nurturing and maintenance of mountain forests, or for prognoses regarding the repercussions of climate change.go to weblink
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25.01.2012 -
Information meeting on the Support programme for the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry for Environment have started a call for projects to implement the National Biodiversity Strategy. The announcement is addressed to consortia of interested partners planning a cooperative project in the framework of the “Bundesprogramm Biologische Vielfalt”. Proposals can be submitted until 15 April 2012. A information meeting on the support programme is conducted on 30 January. Further information in German only.go to weblink
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20.01.2012 -
Ebbe Nielsen Prize 2012
GBIF invites nominations for the 2012 Ebbe Nielsen Prize, awarded annually to a person or team who demonstrates excellence in combining biodiversity informatics and biosystematics research. The € 30,000 award is intended to allow the recipient(s) to engage in biosystematics/biodiversity informatics research outside his/her/their country of residence for a period of 3-6 months. Nominations are due by 15 March 2012. The award was established by the GBIF Governing Board to honour the memory of Ebbe Schmidt Nielsen, who was an inspirational leader in the fields of biosystematics and biodiversity informatics.go to weblink
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13.01.2012 -
Network for Plant Collections
The Network for Plant Collections, a project from the German Gardening Society 1822 e. V., which is funded from BMELV, has started. The Network for Plant Collections links the collections of private plant enthusiasts on a common platform, documents the diversity of genetic resources in Germany, supports endangered plant collections with the search for godparents and serves rare plant collections for future generations. go to weblink
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10.01.2012 -
New website for Breed and Seed Savers is launched
The SAVE-Foundation has launched a new website under the name “Variety-Savers – The European Network of Breed and Seed Savers”. The European Network of Breed and Seed Savers is a website for listing all keepers of indigenous livestock breeds and cultivators of indigenous cultivated plants found in Europe. Variety-Savers should be used to network, to share information, to list events and to sell products and services relating to conservation of European agrobiodiversity.go to weblink
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05.01.2012 -
Chicken breed "Deutscher Sperber" is endangered farm animal breed 2012
The chicken breed "Deutsche Sperber" is the endangered breed 2012 which is elected each year by the Society for the Conservation of old and endangered farm animal breeds (GEH). The chicken breed follows the cattle breed Limpurger of 2011. The aim of appointing the "endangered breed of the year" is to draw attention to the risk status of the breed in question, hoping to interest more breeders in the conservation. go to weblink
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04.01.2012 -
Microorganisms in biogas plants as a funding priority
Biogas is based on fermentation processes, that converts renewable resources to energy and fermentation residues. The Biogas plants are the habitat of biological communities of different species and genera of bacteria. The discovery of these communities has just begun. The understanding of the related processes and the optimization could help to increase the methane yield. Further information of the R & D funding priority for „Microbial processes in biogas plants“ is available on the FNR website (German only). go to weblink
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03.01.2012 -
European Larch – Tree of the Year 2012
European Larch (Larix decidua) was chosen by Germany's Kuratorium "Baum des Jahres" and named Tree of the Year by the Dr. Silvius Wodarz Stiftung. Although a conifer, the larch is a deciduous tree and loses its leaves in the autumn. In Germany, the larch is not widespread. This is due to their ecological requirements: it is a tree occurring mainly at medium and high altitudes, but also in the hill country and can be planted in the lowlands. Its wood is durable and strong, of moderately high density, with excellent toughness and exceptionally weatherproof. It is used for furniture, but especially popular for the construction of bridges, boats and log houses. (German only)go to weblink
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22.12.2011 -
Map of Diversity
The Map of Diversity shows locations in Germany, where people are active forr the conservation and utilization of agrobiodiversity. The Map of Diversity has been started by the initiative "Conservation by Utilzation" of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and is now continued by the IBV within the Information System Genetic Resources (GENRES). go to weblink
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19.12.2011 -
First accessions formally included in the European Collection
A first batch of garlic accession numbers is formally agreed as European accessions. This is a significant development in the process of designing, developing and eventually operating AEGIS (A European Genebank Integrated System). The member states of AEGIS has accepted long-term conservation responsibilities for these accessions in accordance with agreed standards and will make them readily available under the terms and conditions of the Standard Material Transfer Agreement.go to weblink
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15.12.2011 -
Training Programme on genetic resources conservation and use
The Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation and the Centre for Genetic Resources in the Netherlands in collaboration with other partners from Wageningen UR organize a training programme on “contemporary approaches to genetic resources conservation and use”. The training programme is designed for mid-career professionals working in genetic resource conservation or seed sector development arenas. The programme consists of two three-week courses offered in parallel tracks. The admission deadline for application is 16 March 2012.go to weblink
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08.12.2011 -
Rosarium in Dortmund enters into the German Genebank for Roses
Again one more partner: the rosarium Dortmund joins in the collaboration of the German Genebank for Roses. During a ceremonial act at the Westphalian park at 6 December 2011 the president of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) Dr. Hanns-Christoph Eiden gave the certificate to the burgomaster of Dortmund Mrs. Birgit Jörger. The German Genebank for Roses is part of the German Genebank for Ornamentals and is coordinated by BLE. The Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) promotes presently the buildup with the project executing organisation for agricultural research of the BLE.go to weblink
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07.12.2011 -
A new European Fund for the EU's Maritime and Fisheries PoliciesFischereipolitik der EU
The European Commission has proposed a new fund for the EU's maritime and fisheries policies for the period 2014-2020: the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The Fund will help deliver the ambitious objectives of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and will help fishermen in the transition towards sustainable fishing, as well as coastal communities in the diversification of their economies. The fund will finance projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts. Red tape will be cut so that beneficiaries have easy access to financing.go to weblink
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06.12.2011 -
Fish of the year 2012 – The lamprey
The lamprey was selected as fish of the year 2012 from the German organisations „Verband Deutscher Sportfischer“ (VDSF), „Bundesamt für Naturschutz (BfN)“ and „Verband Deutscher Sporttaucher“ (VDST). Lampreys, of which different species occur in Germany, comprise a phylogenetically ancient vertebrate class. Strictly speaking, the jawless lampreys not considered to be true fish but represent the group of jawless cyclostomes.go to weblink
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05.12.2011 -
Adoption of the Second Global Plan for Action by FAO
The Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Second GPA) was unanimously approved by the FAO Council this week at its 143rd Session. The Second GPA is now an important instrument for optimal harnessing of plant genetic resources to promote sustainable agriculture and address the new challenges and opportunities.go to weblink
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28.11.2011 -
Alarming decline of species in Europe
The number of threatened species in Europe has increased. This is the main result of recent research activities of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) accessing the status of endangerment of about 6000 red list species. go to weblink
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25.11.2011 -
German Beech Forests: Brochure on UNESCO World Natural Heritage
On 25 June 2011, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added five beech forest regions, which represent the most valuable remnants of extensive semi-natural beech forest stands in Germany, to the World Heritage List. The brochure of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety presents the new UNESCO World Natural Heritage "Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Ancient Beech Forests of Germany".go to weblink
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15.11.2011 -
Announcement
The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food opens a call for proposals for the molecular genetic verification of varieties of sweet and sour cherries of the German Genebank for Fruits. The sample size is estimated with 1229 trees of sweet cherries and 292 trees of sour cherries. The duration of contract will be two years. Deadline for proposals is 12. December 2011. go to weblink
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11.11.2011 -
Workshop on Forest Tree Breeding
The workshop on forest tree breeding (07./08. November 2011) presented national and international research findings regarding tree breeding and cultivation as well as useful information about forest practices. It emphasized that forest reproductive material of higher value might be an important tool to support the stability and productivity of forests in the future. As a source of information and reference the presentations of the workshop are now available online.go to weblink
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10.11.2011 -
Aquaculture to provide more than half of world consumption
The FAO report "World Aquaculture 2010" found that global production of fish from aquaculture grew more than 60 percent between 2000 and 2008, from 32.4 million tonnes to 52.5 million tonnes. It also forecasts that by 2012 more than 50 percent of the world's food fish consumption will come from aquaculture.go to weblink
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07.11.2011 -
Interactive map on aquaculture production
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of FAO has released the first global interactive map on aquaculture production of aquatic animals for human consumption for 2009 as part of the National Aquaculture Sector.go to weblink
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07.11.2011 -
New Website for old crops
The service centre countryside (DLR) of Rhineland-Palatinate has launched a new website for old crop plants. All interested persons can register their old plant varieties on this website and compare notes on breeding, cultivation, nurture and use. Aim of this initiative is the collecting of many informations of existing old and/or traditional crop varieties from Rhineland-Palatinate, the storage in a database and the access to this informations to all interested persons via internet. go to weblink
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04.11.2011 -
Waldfibel – New Forest Guide App
The newly launched Waldfibel App of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection (BMELV) has already exceeded 100.000 downloads. The Waldfibel offers useful information of plant and animal species of the forest and includes an interactive tool to measure tree height and to identify animal sounds. The App for iPhone 3, iPhone 4, iPad2 and compatible with iOS5 is now available to download free of charge. This app is available in German only.go to weblink
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03.11.2011 -
Model-project to the diversity of rural gardens
In a three years construed model-project, promoted by the BMELV with BLE, will be surveyed how the diversity of species- and varieties of rural gardens in the region of Westfalen-Lippe can be conserved and improved. The project is carried out from the museum of the agriculture association Westfalen-Lippe (LWL) and the Bureau for vegetation, animal ecology and nature conservation (BfVTN). During the project actual stocks of gardens will be detected and the traditional use of crops will be documented in talks with the owners.go to weblink
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02.11.2011 -
Policy against hunger
On 21. – 23. November 2011 the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection is host of the high-ranking conference “Policies against Hunger “ at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. Focus of the conference will lay on the problems of access to natural resources. The aim of the conference is to develop strategies and recommendations for action for policies, civil society, science and the private sector.go to weblink
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31.10.2011 -
European Commission launched Public Consultation on the Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol
The European Commission started a public consultation on the implementation and ratification of the Nagoya Protocol. The Protocol establishes a framework for regulating access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge and outlines general obligations on how the benefits arising from the utilization of such resources and knowledge should be shared. All European users of genetic resources are addressed to share their experiences and expectations on the implementation of the Protocol. Until December 19th 2011 you can participate in the consultation.go to weblink
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31.10.2011 -
Agrobiodiversity Researcher Database is online
Recently the new website "Platform for Agrobiodiversity Research" is launched. This new website provides a listing of researchers working in the different fields of agrobiodiversity. The database will serve as a repository and access point to find agrobiodiversity researchers, learn about their research activities and directly interact with them.go to weblink
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27.10.2011 -
1st Symposium ornamental plant breeding at JKI in Quedlinburg
On 15.-16. November 2011 the first symposium to the theme ornamental plant breeding takes place at the JKI in Quedlinburg. The Symposium is organized by JKI together with the German Plant Breeders Association e. V. (BDP), the German Association for Ornamental Plants (BVZ) and the Association for the Promotion of Private Plant Breeding in Germany (GFP). Aim of the symposium is the promotion of research in the ornamental plant sector for finding solutions to future challenges like climate change.go to weblink
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24.10.2011 -
Report of 13th Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
The report of the 13th Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture which was held in Rome from 18th to 22nd July 2011 is now available online. Please follow the link in the header.go to weblink
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19.10.2011 -
Salmon Summit in La Rochelle
The ‘Salmon Summit’, a major international symposium Co-Convened by North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), and entitled 'Salmon at Sea: Scientific Advances and their Implications for Management', was held at L'Aquarium, La Rochelle, France, during 11-13 October 2011. 130 scientists and managers involved in research and management of salmon in the North Atlantic, North Pacific and Baltic Sea participated in the Summit. Scientists confirmed that wild Atlantic salmon are dying at sea in alarming numbers. Southern stocks including some in North America and Europe are threatened with extinction.go to weblink
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14.10.2011 -
Symposium "Agrobiodiversity in Germany" attracted many participants
This year's symposium on "Agrobiodiversity in Germany - the last 20 years, status quo and future perspectives" was organized by the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV) together with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV). The symposium took place on 10/11 October 2011 in Bonn. The more than 130 participants discussed important issues and challenges for the future, like world food security, climate chance and consumer behavior, towards the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. All lectures and the summaries of the discussions in the working groups will be published in the serial "Agrobiodiversität" in the beginning of...go to weblink
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29.09.2011 -
Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources: FAO launches 1. Call for Proposals
The "Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources" was adopted 2007 in Interlaken. The FAO subsequently established a Trust Account for financing projects in developing countries and countries with econimies in transition. Now there are substantial means available to support the first round of projects for the implementation of the Global Plan of Action. Germany contributed USD 480.000 to the Trust Account. Another USD 400.000 came in from Switzerland and Norway.go to weblink
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28.09.2011 -
Events on the topics "Biological plant protection" and "Beneficials"
On 29 November until 1 December 2011 will be conducted two successional events that deal with "biological plant protection” and "beneficials" at the campus of the Forschungsanstalt Geisenheim. The aim of the two events are an exchange between researchers, producers of beneficials and consultants. The discussion topics include biological control, the biology of beneficial organisms and methods of promotion, breeding and application of beneficial organisms in agriculture. For more information please contact Dr. Annette heart of the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI). go to weblink
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27.09.2011 -
Forest Strategy 2020 implemented
The federal government has implemented on 21/09/2011 its new forest strategy for the period from now to 2020 ("Waldstrategie 2020"). The aim is to reach a balanced and workable cooperation between the increasing and sometimes competing demands society places on the forest and its sustainable performance. In nine key areas (climate protection, soil protection, recreation, research, property, natural resources, biodiversity, forestry, hunting) existing challenges and opportunities are identified and potential conflicts are analyzed. (German only)go to weblink
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19.09.2011 -
Symposium 2011 "Agrobiodiversity in Germany"
This year's symposium on "Agrobiodiversity in Germany - the last 20 years, status quo and future perspectives" is organized by the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV) together with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV). The symposium will take place on 10/11 October 2011 in Bonn. Besides the scientific program including lectures and workshop discussions we will take the opportunity on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the IBV to invite to a reception at the Museum Alexander Koenig in Bonn.[more]
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25.08.2011 -
New in GENRES: Research structure for agrobiodiversity
An overview about agrobiodiversity research in Germany, its relevant structures, actors and funding opportunities, was missing until now. New sites in GENRES "Research on agrobiodiversity" are attended to close this gap. The sites shall facilitate the communication and accelerate the transfer of information between researchers, politicians and practitioners. The information sites "Research on agrobiodiversity" in GENRES are seen as part of the implementation of the "Network for research on agrobiodiversity". This network is a priority action specified in the "Strategy on agrobiodiversity" of the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV).[more]
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23.08.2011 -
Europe´s Forests are expanding
This information comes from the publication "Forestry in the EU and the world", issued by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union in connection with the International Year of Forests 2011. In the EU27, the net annual increment (new growth of 770 mio. m3) is higher than the annual fellings (480 mio. m3). In 2010, forest and other wooded land covered 178 million hectares in the EU27, or around 40% of its land area.go to weblink
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18.08.2011 -
New directive for the funding of R&D-projects in the field of sustainable agriculture
The new “Directive for the funding of R&D-projects and of measures for the technology- and knowledge-transfer for a sustainable production, processing and marketing of agricultural products” has been published on 13.7.2011 in the federal bulletin. This directive allows the funding of R&D-projects in the field of genetic resources by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food. Besides of basic- and development-oriented research the funding of practice-oriented projects is aim of this directive. go to weblink
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10.08.2011 -
New topic in GENRES: Apple allergy and the influence of variety
Apple (Malus domestica L.) is the most important fruit in Europe. But an increasing number of people are suffering from apple allergy, about one million in Europe, today. The Information System Genetic Resources (GENRES) was recently supplemented by new sites, which inform about apple allergy with a special focus on the influence of variety. An overview is given about the causes and the factors influencing the allergenic potential as well as the current research on this important subject.[more]
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08.08.2011 -
Web-Portal for climate change impacts launched
In Rhineland-Palatinate the Competence Centre for Climate Change Impacts launched a publicly accessible Web-Portal that offers broad public information on climate, climate change and climate change impacts in Rhineland-Palatinate. The Competence Center is caring for transparency, information and consultancy concerning the consequences of climate change in Rhineland-Palatinate by addressing the public as well as scientists, politicians and decision-makers.go to weblink
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04.08.2011 -
Vavilov-Frankel-Fellowships 2012
Bioversity International opens the 2012 Call for Research Proposals for the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship. There will be two Fellowships, for up to US$ 20 000 each, which will be available for 2012 to carry out research, from 3 to 12 months, on a wide range of biophysical, economic and social themes related to the conservation and use of of plant genetic resources in developing countries. Deadline for application: 6 November 2011. go to weblink
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25.07.2011 -
Germany increases global commitment for the conservation of endangered farm animal breeds
The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumser Protection is committed to the conservation of the diversity of farm animal breeds and crops worlwide. In this context it announced on 21st July during the 13th session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture of the FAO in Rome, that it will support the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources and the conservation of endangered livestock breeds with 480,000 Euros.go to weblink
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21.07.2011 -
Red List of Rhododendron
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) has published a Red List of Rhododendrons report assessing the conservation status of the Rhododendron plant species. Research by BGCI and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh shows that a quarter of the 1157 Rhododendron species are under threat in the wild. The 128 page Red List of Rhododendrons report designates Rhododendron plant species according to a classification system for conservation status from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature known as IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.go to weblink
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19.07.2011 -
Vacancy Announcement
The Global Crop Diversity Trust is seeking well qualified candidates for the position of an Assistant Executive Director. The Assistant Executive Director will assume primary responsibility for the Trust’s Long-term grant making, and will have responsibility for overall Trust managerial, governance and administrative undertakings. The Global Crop Diversity Trust is currently located in Rome, Italy, but will establish its permanent Headquarters in Bonn, Germany in mid-2012. The successful candidate must be willing to assume the post in Rome and subsequently move with the Trust to Bonn. Deadline for online application is 22 August 2011.go to weblink
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13.07.2011 -
Advisory Board on Biodiversity: Position paper on short rotational plantations
The Scientific Advisory Board on Biodiversity and Genetic Resources at the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection has published a position paper on "Biodiversity in short rotational plantations and agroforestry systems in relation to other biomass for energy routes". The position paper was handed over to the Federal Minister Ilse Aigner. Now, the position paper is available on the homepage of the Advisory Board (in German only).go to weblink
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13.07.2011 -
Forest Climate Fund
The Federal Government of Germany has provided the financial basis for the establishment of a forest climate fund. Resources are to be allocated amounting to 35 million Euro per year, which is to be set up by 1 January 2013 under the joint patronage of the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and of the Environment. The funds are to be used especially to plan for schemes to restore balanced landscape water resources, to better adjust to climate change, to maintain and secure forest mires, to establish new carbon-rich riparian and moist forests, as well as to set up reference areas, but also to expand the CO2 reduction potential of wood. go to weblink
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28.06.2011 -
Nomination of German Beech Forests as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
On 25 June the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO – inscribed on the World Heritage List five German beech forests. The serial property includes selected core areas of existing protected areas in four German "Lander". The Beech forests, selected for the nomination to the World Heritage List, are the most important examples of Central European beech forests.go to weblink
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27.06.2011 -
Germany signs the UN-Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing
Together with some other European countries and the EU, Germany has signed the Nagoya-Protocol. The Protocol supplements the UN-Convention on Biological Diversity and provides a legal framework for policies on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing. It provides for a facilitated Access to Genetic Resources and associated Traditional Knowledge and aims at sharing the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way between users and the source country.go to weblink
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27.06.2011 -
25. Colloquium of the Research Center of Biotechnolgy and Plant Breeding
At the 16. and 17. November 2011 the 25. Colloquium of the Research Center of Biotechnology and Plant Breeding will take place at the University of Hohenheim. The meeting will be held in conjunction with the working group “Genetic Resources” of the German Society of Plant Breeding” (GPZ e.V.). Theme of the meeting will be: “Crop Plants: Biodiversity and Genomics”. go to weblink
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24.06.2011 -
German Cabinet adopts Renewable Energies Act
In June 2011 the German Cabinet decided on the Renewable Energies Act, which will come into force at first January 2012. In this new act Bioenergy shall expand as an important renewable energy source in the utilization area of heat and electricity. A limitation of the utilization of maize and cereals in biogas plants on 50 percent shall counteract the concentration in cultivation by special crops. go to weblink
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22.06.2011 -
News from the Federal Horticultural Show 2011
On June 18 – 19 the German Genebank for Fruits was presented at the Federal Horticultural Show 2011 in Koblenz. Some representatives from the city of Hagen presented their work for the conservation of the diversity of cherries in their region and the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) gave lectures about the conservation of the diversity of fruits at the German Genebank for Fruits. On July 15 further lectures will follow to the theme “Beautyful and treasured – Conserving the diversity of ornamentals for the future”. go to weblink
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17.06.2011 -
Biodiversity of Forests in the Northeast of Germany
With the brochure, a joint study of the forestry services of the federal states of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, in which on the basis of selected indicators the achievements of forestry in recent years and the future requirements for forest management for the protection of biodiversity, is published. (German only).go to weblink
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15.06.2011 -
Vacancy
Department 514 (Agricultural research) at the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food in Bonn offers a position in the field of agricultural research. Deadline for application: 6. July 2011. More information in German only.go to weblink
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14.06.2011 -
Bonn welcomes the Global Crop Diversity Trust in 2012
The decision of the Executive Board of the Global Crop Diversity Trust to accept the offer of the City Bonn to host the Global Crop Diversity Trust came at the 8th June and concluded a two-year search process. The move should take place already mid-2012. The mission of the Crop Diversity Trust is to ensure the conservation and availability of crop diversity for agriculture and food security worldwide. In 2008 the Crop Diversity Trust founded the by now well known „Svalbard Global Seed Vault” located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. go to weblink
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31.05.2011 -
IBV Symposium 2010: Proceedings published
The proceedings of the symposium "New options for the conservation and sustainable use of the agrobiodiversity – effectiveness and perspectives of agri-environmental schemes" are recently published. The symposium took place from 9 to 10 November 2010 in Bonn and was organized by the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV) together with DIVERSITAS Deutschland e.V. and the Netzwerk-Forum Biodiversitätsforschung Deutschland (Nefo). The proceedings contain all conference contributions and give an overview over options for the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity with focus on the discussion about EU´s Common Agricultural Policy post 2013. go to weblink
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19.05.2011 -
New ECPGR website launched
The European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR) launched a new website on April 2011. This new Web site intends to facilitate access to contact information of the ECPGR National Coordinators and the different crop and thematic network members, to ECPGR Central Crop Databases, to ECPGR Networks' budgets, workplans and activities and to a range of information including ECPGR Publications and Reports, listserver, information about upcoming meetings and other useful information.go to weblink
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16.05.2011 -
Wanted: New beekeepers
The Ministry of Agriculture of Rhineland-Palatinate has launched a campaign "Honey state Rhineland-Palatinate" for young people to increase interest in beekeeping. The campaign consists of a touring exhibition, a leaflet and a website with information about beekeeping. The exhibition starts in the city halls of Ulmen and Mayen from May 16th to 26th. The decreasing number of bee colonies and beekeepers is however a countrywide problem, therefore the campaign is of importance also across the borders of Rhineland-Palatinate.go to weblink
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05.05.2011 -
Vacancy Announcement of Bioversity International
Bioversity International is seeking a Genetic Resources Policy Specialist for the Bioversity Headquarter in Rome, Italy. He or she will report to the Head of the Policy and Research Support Unit and will contribute to Bioversity´s research and capacity building agenda. Deadline for online application is 30 May 2011. go to weblink
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05.05.2011 -
New EU Biodiversity Strategy 2011 - 2020
The European Commission has adopted a new strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the EU by 2020. Contrary to previuos action plans the new strategy focusses on six priority targets: "protecting and restoring biodiversity and associated ecosystem services (targets 1 and 2), enhancing the positive contribution of agriculture and forestry and reducing key pressures on EU biodiversity (targets 3, 4 and 5), and stepping up the EU’s contribution to global biodiversity (target 6)."go to weblink
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28.04.2011 -
News from the Federal Horticultural Show 2011
The German Genebank for Rhododendron informs about rhododendron varieties and wild rhododendron species and provides advice for cultivation on May 13 – 14 at the Federal Horticultural Show 2011 in Koblenz. In addition the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) give a lecture on the state of conservation and use of the diversity of ornamentals on Friday 13 May.go to weblink
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19.04.2011 -
Symposium „Biodiversity, Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation“
The Department of Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) of Philipps-University Marburg is hosting a symposium on biodiversity, intellectual Property Rights and Innovation. The symposium will take place on 20 May 2011 in Marburg and aims to discuss the context of plant breeding/biotechnology and patent law/plant variety right protection and its effects on biodiversity.go to weblink
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15.04.2011 -
Project Grant Program
From the extra-capital „energy- and climate funds“ are 9 million € for research and development in the bioenergy sector available this year. One of the topics deals with the breeding of energy plants adapted to climate change. Executing agency is the Agency for Renewable Resources e.V. (FNR). There is no deadline for the submission of project proposals.go to weblink
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12.04.2011 -
Vacancy Professorship (W3) in Organic Plant Breeding/Agricultural Biodiversity
The University of Kassel is offering at the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences in Witzenhausen a Professorship (W3) in Organic Plant Breeding/Agricultural Biodiversity. Deadline for application: 20 May 2011. More information can be found at the website of the University of Kassel.go to weblink
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08.04.2011 -
Learning Module on the Treaty
The aim of this learning module is to develop knowledge and skills to implement the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and to use The Treaty’s standard material transfer agreement (SMTA). The module is targeted to genebank managers and technical advisers to policymakers and can also be used for education. The content is designed for a 2-day, face to face workshop, but the materials may also be used separately for a shorter workshop or to support classroom teaching.go to weblink
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29.03.2011 -
Training manual for Geographic Information Systems
Bioversity has launched a training manual for practitioners who work with biodiversity data and want to develop spatial analysis skills using free Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. This manual focuses on using GIS tools--DIVA-GIS, a GIS programme specifically designed to undertake spatial diversity analysis and Maxent, a species distribution modeling programme--to help answer questions about the spatial analysis of biodiversity data. It is based on a set of step-by-step instructions, accompanied by a series of analyses, using free and publically available software.go to weblink
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21.03.2011 -
Welcome to the International Year of Forests
Today on 21 March 2011 the International Year of Forests was officially launched by the Federal President Christian Wulff and Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Ilse Aigner in Berlin. The events according to the motto "Explore our Forest Heritage" will be organised by more than 600 stakeholders throughout the year, with the objective to draw attention to the forest, to increase his appreciation and enhance the social, political and public interest in forests.go to weblink
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15.03.2011 -
GB4 of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources
The fourth session of the Governing Body (GB) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGR) was opened in Bali, Indonesia. It will last from 14-18 March 2011. The meeting focuses on the further development of inter alia Compliance, Funding Strategy and Standard Material Transfer Agreement. Daily information about the meeting can be found at the website of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB).go to weblink
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10.03.2011 -
Dialogue Workshop "Biodiversity in Organic Agriculture"
As part of the 11th "Scientific Conference on Organic Agriculture" at the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen a dialogue-workshop "Biodiversity in Organic Agriculture" will take place. Place: Justus Liebig University, room E101. Time: Thursday, 17.03.2011, 13:30 – 15:30 o'clock. Conference language: German.go to weblink
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01.03.2011 -
Herbs, Drugs and Extracts – Special Exhibition of the German Horticulture Museum in Erfurt
Under the title “Herbs, Drugs and Extracts –herbal ingredients in the everyday life” a special exhibition of the German Horticulture Museum in Erfurt on the special role of renewable commodities in the horticultural sector will open at 6th March 2011. This new exhibition shows the great diversity of herbal ingredients until 31th October 2011. The exhibition focuses on gardeners and interested consumers, especially pupils and families with kids, who can also attend a special educational programme in the museum. From 2012 the exhibition will be shown as touring exhibition during Laender- or federal horticultural shows and consumer expositions. go to weblink
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23.02.2011 -
Internet-Portal Forest Knowledge Network
Forestknowledge.net (waldwissen.net) is an information and communication platform. It has been completely overhauled and now appears in a new, more modern design just in time for the International Year of the Forest 2011. The platform includes over 2600 articles on topics such as technique and planning, forestry, forest ecology as well as learning and teaching. The platform is a joint project of four research institutions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.go to weblink
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16.02.2011 -
National Support Programme for Biological Diversity
The Federal Ministry for Environment has launched a programme to support the implementation of the national biodiversity strategy. Funding shall be granted to all NGOs, local authorities, universities and other institutions or single persons scheduling projects of national relevance to the implementation of the strategy. All interested stakeholders are invited to an informational meeting on 2nd march 2011.go to weblink
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15.02.2011 -
FunDivEUROPE - Importance of Forest Biodiversity in Europe
FunDivEUROPE (Functional Significance of Forest Biodiversity in Europe) is an exciting new EU project exploring the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in European forests. It will be the largest experimental and observational platform in forest ecosystem research anywhere in the world. The information gained should thus enable forest owners, forest managers and forest policy makers to adapt policies and management for sustainable use of forest ecosystems in a changing environment, capitalizing on the potential effects of biodiversity for ecosystem functioning.go to weblink
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09.02.2011 -
Crop Genebank Knowledge Base
The Crop Genebank Knowledge Base (CGKB) is the first online resource for genebank managers and conservationists that was launched online on 6 December 2010. It provides easy access to crop specific knowledge and best practices for germplasm management and a vast collection of publications and training manuals in one place. go to weblink
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01.02.2011 -
“To Serve and Conserve” – European Plant Genetic Resources Conference
In April 2011, an EUCARPIA Plant Genetic Resources Conference will be held in Wageningen, The Netherlands. The meeting is organised with the objective to explore ways to improve service to plant genetic resources (PGR) users and effectiveness of PGR conservation. The conference welcomes anyone involved in PGR conservation and use. Early registration is possible until 14. February 2011. Each participant is invited to present a poster. The poster abstracts should be send until first March 2011. go to weblink
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26.01.2011 -
Winners of the school-competition “Vielfalt macht Schule” were awarded at the Green Week 2011
"Vielfalt macht Schule" was a school-competition of the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) in the frame of the 2010 national public relation initiative on agrobiodiversity. The award ceremony by Parliamentary State Secretary Julia Klöckner took place on January, 24th during the International Green Week (IGW) in Berlin.go to weblink
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24.01.2011 -
Report on the review of indicators for the National Biodiversity Strategy
In November 2010 the Federal Government has adopted the Report on the review of indicators for the National Biodiversity Strategy. The report is now available as a broshure and can be downloaded from the website of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.go to weblink
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21.01.2011 -
Wild Service Tree – Tree of the Year 2011
The wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis L.) is a very rare wild fruit tree. It was chosen by Germany's Kuratorium "Baum des Jahres" and named Tree of the Year by the Dr. Silvius Wodarz Stiftung. In May wild service trees produce white flowers visited by a wide range of pollinators e.g. social bees, bumblebees and beetles. The fruits used to be eaten as a cure for colic and dysentery as the Latin name 'torminalis' means good for colic. The fruits are also used to produce exquisite liquors, especially in Germany and Austria. The wood of the wild service tree is fine-grained, very dense and is one of the most valuable hardwoods in Europe.go to weblink
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19.01.2011 -
Bilateral Research Cooperation Germany-New Zealand
The German Federal Ministry for Agriculture supports the bilateral cooperation in agricultural research between Germany and New Zealand. Mobility costs of researchers in projects in the thematic fields biotechnology, genetic resources for food and agriculture, climate change, renewable resources and product/food safety can be funded. Project proposals can be submitted to BLE until February, 28th.go to weblink
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17.01.2011 -
Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment visits BLE
The Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Environment, Ursual Heinen-Esser visited the BLE to get information on sustainable biomass production and on agrobiodiversity. IBV presented latest developments and its activities concerning Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), the integration of agrobiodiversity in the EU Agricultural Policy reform, biopatenting, as well as the establishment and further development of genebanks and genebank networks for fruit, ornamental plants, wild plants for food and agriculture and for farm animals. go to weblink
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14.01.2011 -
Actual provision of conservation varieties
On 17 December 2010 the German Government changed the provisions of the national regulation on conservation varieties. The revised regulation, providing for certain derogations for acceptance of agricultural landraces and varieties which are naturally adapted to the local and regional conditions and threatened by genetic erosion, is now applying to vegetable species as well. go to weblink
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13.01.2011 -
Winners of the school-competition “Vielfalt macht Schule” are announced
" Vielfalt macht Schule" was a school-competition of the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) in the frame of the 2010 national public relation initiative on agrobiodiversity. The award ceremony by Federal Minister Ilse Aigner will take place on January, 24th during the International Green Week (IGW) in Berlin.go to weblink
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05.01.2011 -
Forest Genetic Resources in Germany
The updated reprint of the "Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Forest Genetic Resources in the Federal Republic of Germany" describes the endangerment of forest genetic resources, the necessity for their conservation and sustainable use and steps that need to be taken as well as already implemented policies and initiatives. It is also a contribution from the Federal government /Länder Working Group "Forest Genetic Resources and Legislation on Forest Reproductive Material" in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection to the International Year of Forests 2011.[more]
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04.01.2011 -
Wild animal of 2011: the lynx
Since 1992 the Society for the Protection of German Game choses a species as "Wild Animal of the Year". In 2011 the lynx was chosen. The catlike predator with 70 cm shoulder hight and characteristic black tufts of hair on the ears lives in the forest and feeds of small prey.go to weblink
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04.01.2011 -
Cattle breed "Limpurger Rind" is the "Breed of the Year 2011"
The cattle breed "Limpurger" was chosen to be the "Endangered Farm Animal Breed of the Year 2011" by the members of the The Society for the Conservation of Old and Endangered Livestock Breeds (GEH). GEH will be organising events in close cooperation with the respective breeding association and is looking forward to welcome all people interested in this old cattle breed already during the International Green Week in Berlin.go to weblink
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29.12.2010 -
Worcestershire gene bank orchard saves rare fruits in England
A special orchard, containing rare varieties of fruit trees, is being planted in Worcestershire. The two hectare orchard is being planted with around 170 trees of different traditional varieties of fruit that were grown in the Wyre Forest. It's hoped that the "gene bank" orchard will ensure the survival of rare fruit trees for future generations. The trees being planted include perry pears, plums, quince, medlar, and varieties of cherry, such as Elton, Blackeagle and White Heart. go to weblink
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14.12.2010 -
Preserving genetic resources in agriculture
The Eurepean Commission has publised a leaflet on preserving genetic resources in agriculture, which presents an overview of the 17 actions of the Community Programme 2006-2011 (Council Regulation (EC) No 870/2004).go to weblink
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10.12.2010 -
New database for Rhododendron
In the course of the establishment of the German Genebank for Rhododendron experts toured through Germany for three years to record the diversity of species and cultivars of rhododendron in botanical gardens, in state and public institutes and private collections. The recorded data are now released in this database. Reliable detailed descriptions of 724 rhododendron species and subspecies as well as 3.926 rhododendron cultivars can be found as well as pictures and different opportunities for search.go to weblink
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03.12.2010 -
Red List of endangered indigenous farm animal breeds in Germany updated
Since its first publication in 2008, 2 breeds were added to the Red List. The National Committee on Animal Genetic Resources in Germany now states that of the 65 indigenous breeds subject to animal breeding legislation 54 (of 5 species) are endangered.[more]
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02.12.2010 -
Tree species in Europe
The European Forest Genetic Resources Programme EUFORGEN is a collaborative programme among 31 European countries (2010) to promote conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources. At its website EUFORGEN provides information, inter alia, about the natural distribution area of over 30 European trees species. These distribution maps of popular tree species such as aspen or lime trees, typical mountain species such as European larch to Mediterranean species such as Aleppo pine or Cork oak can be downloaded from the EUFORGEN website.go to weblink
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24.11.2010 -
Kurt von Rümker Lectures
The Association for Plant Breeding e.V. invites for the 15th times to the Kurt von Rümker Lectures at the 29. and 30. March 2011 in Quedlinburg, awarding the Kurt von Rümker Prize 2011. The lecture should be related to plant breeding and be originated from own research. Eligible are junior scientists, when their graduation dates back not longer than two years. For application you have to register a theme and a short validation of the supervising tutor until 31. December 2010 to the GPZ-Secretariat.go to weblink
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22.11.2010 -
Discover our Forest Heritage
As Germany's contribution to the International Year of Forests (2011) the website "Entdecken Sie unser Waldkulturerbe" ("Discover our Forest Heritage") was launched recently. Its aim is to draw attention to the forest, to increase his appreciation and enhance the social, political and public interest in forests. Visit the website for information about Forests and Forestry, including a calendar of events of NGOs. (German only)go to weblink
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17.11.2010 -
Agrobiodiversity and the Common Agriculture Policy post 2013
The symposium "New options for the conservation and sustainable use of the agrobiodiversity – effectiveness and perspectives of agri-environmental schemes" took place from 9 to 10 November 2010 in Bonn. It was organized by the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV) together with DIVERSITAS Deutschland e.V. and the Netzwerk-Forum Biodiversitätsforschung Deutschland (Nefo) / Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ). The more than 100 participants from policy, administration, science, nature protection and the lively discussions underlined the fact, that agrobiodiversity is of great importance and topicality in the further CAP discussion.go to weblink
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16.11.2010 -
2nd “State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources” report
The FAO launched its second report on “The State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture”. This Report is a sequel to the first report published 12 years ago. It covers gene bank collection, effects of climate change and what is being done for the conservation and the sustainable use of genetic diversity in food and agricultural crops.go to weblink
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16.11.2010 -
Bauer-Foundation: Research Program on Biodiversity
The Bauer-Stiftung in the German Association of Foundations for Science has startet a program for junior researchers in the field of biodiversity for interdisciplinary and practical-oriented research. Application is possible until January 30th, 2011. Further information in German only.go to weblink