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.
Das Projekt "Natuerliche Vielfalt in alpinen Waldoekosystemen: Analyse, Schutz und Bewirtschaftung" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universite de Neuchatel, Institut de Botanique durchgeführt. General Information: The project adresses biodiversity in terms of genetic diversity within and between carrier species of Alpine forest ecosystems. It will create a novel data pool in order to better understand the function and dynamics of ecosystems and to transfer results into practice. By this, our project will also help to implement the Strasbourg/Rio/Helsinki process in conservation of biodiversity in forest ecosystems. 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 significant tree species in high elevated regions, i. a. habitats with high priority in preservation. Species are Abies alba, Larix decidua, Picea abies, Pinus cembra, Pinus mugo. Species will be studied simultaneously along altitudinal transects up to the timberline at 15 locations throughout the Alps. Working packages: A: Sampling and monitoring: Assessment of diversity within species (intrapopulational) and among species by means isoenzymes, DNA-markers and metric traits. Populations are adult stands, natural/artificial regeneration, provenance and other field trials, commercial reproductive material. B: Analysis and modelling: Quantification of biodiversity incl. metric traits and genetic resources; prediction of dynamics with respect to reproduction, response to stress, adapation and high risk situations following genetic erosion and inbreeding.Interdisciplinary characterization of high elevated forest ecosystems C: Validation and exploitation of results: Novel data systems (ecological base for sustainable development); evaluation methods for genetic resources and genetic certification; genetic criteria for conservation and restoration of high elevated forest ecosystems, sustainable forest management; genetically improved reproductive material for afforestation. The partnership consists of 11 participants which represent various fields in forest genetics, ecology, forestry and private enterprise. Each participant has specific responsibilities all over the project. Exploitation addresses end-users of marketable products (genetically improved forest reproductive material) and institutions/organisations/administrations, which are involved in the sustainable management of Alpine ecosystems. A book on Alpine forest ecosystems will summarize the achievements of the project and facilitate its transfer into practice. Leading questions: a) What is the genetic diversity of species in altitudinal gradients and across the Alps? b) Is there any evidence of genetic differences between age classes? c) By the evaluation of genetic diversity, what is the inference on evolutionary potential...