Genetic Conservation

A better knowledge of genetic variation will help guide policy and practical action for biodiversity conservation and restoration, and has assumed a greater importance in the face of environmental change.

UK BRAG Genetic Conservation Sub-Group

UK BRAG has a sub-group to co-ordinate work concerning genetic conservation. Membership as follows.

Mike Fay	(Chair) Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Richard Ferris	(UKBRAG Secretariat), JNCC
Mike Bruford	University of Wales, Cardiff
Robbie McDonald	QUERCUS, Queens University Belfast
Pete Hollingsworth	Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Barbara Jones	Countryside Council for Wales
Nigel Maxted	University of Birmingham
Richard Smithers	Woodland Trust

Key Genetic Conservation Publications

A UK BRAG Research Strategy: Genetic Conservation (2007)

Fay, M.F. & Ferris, R. On behalf of UK BRAG Genetic Conservation Sub-group

To date, the emphasis of UK conservation policy has been on maintaining the genetic distinctiveness of different species, sub-species or populations due to concerns that we need to maintain existing phenotypes, genetic integrity and local adaptations. There are numerous knowledge gaps requiring research.

Genetic biodiversity in agricultural and natural systems: Measurement, understanding and management (2003)

Report of BioPlatform Electronic Conference

The meeting discussed the current understanding of genetic diversity in Europe, the current threats and ways in which to conserve it.

Proceedings of a conservation genetics workshop held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 27 November 2001 (2001)

English Nature

The aim of the meeting was to examine the practical outputs of benfit to the conservation of plants. This is a report of the meeting.

External Key Links

UK Plant Conservation Working Group (Genetics Sub-Group)

The Genetics Sub Group of the Plant Conservation Working Group was set up to provide a two-way exchange of information between conservation agencies and researchers on the conservation genetics of plants and fungi. The aim is for both conservationists and researchers to contribute towards defining and targeting appropriate uses of genetic data in conservation, and to ensure that practical outcomes for conservation are achieved.