Das Projekt "BAFE: Natuerliche Vielfalt in alpinen Waldsystemen: Analyse, Schutz und Bewirtschaftung" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Eidgenössische Forschungsanstalt für Wald, Schnee und Landschaft durchgeführt. Alpine forest ecosystems are increasingly threatened by environmental changes and are modified by forest management and land-use. Genetic diversity plays a major role in the sensitivity, stability and dynamics of ecosystems, because it determines the adaptive potential of species to changing environments. Until now there is a lack of genetic inventories in Alpine ecosystems. Our project focuses on carrier tree species in high elevated regions, adressing biodiversity in terms of genetic diversity within and between carrier species of Alpine forest ecosystems (Abies alba, Larix decidua, Picea abies, Pinus cembra, and Pinus mugo). Analyses of various molecular markers (isozymes, nuclear and chloroplast microsatellites, and a mitochondrial marker) will create a novel data pool in order to better understand the function and dynamics of ecosystems and to transfer results into practice. Species will be studied simultaneously along elevetional transects up to the timberline at 14 locations throughout the Alps.