This book aims at providing readers with general knowledge about the biological background of forest genetic resources, and also gives insights into policy and economic issues, drawing attention to unsolved problems. Different perspectives are included that can sometimes mesh together, in the service of conservation concerns. We hope to give new forest officers, geneticists, conservationists and decision makers ideas on how to work together in the future towards common solutions, at national and international levels. Our intention has been therefore, to compile sometimes contrasting views from the theory and practice of forest genetic resources activities, rather than to provide universal solutions. We would like this book to contribute to: - increasing the capacity of young forest officers, scientists and practitioners, especially from east European countries, in the understanding, conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources; - strengthening National Forest Programmes and especially long-term national plans for the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources; and - increasing the awareness of the professional and general public about the importance of forest genetic resources.
