COST Action E 52 - vTI - Bund.de

curreNT GeNeTIc coNservaTIoN acTIvITIes iN situ
aNd EX situ
A genetic resources inventory of several species in Georgian broadleaves forest was carried out
based on the international (IPGRI) project “Plant Genetic Resources Development programme for
South-East Europe - Preservation of Broadleaved Forests Genetic Resources”. Sample plots areas
were established and after their detailed description was recorded plus stands and plus trees were
registered. The location and detailed taxation-forestry characterization of the plus trees was also
identified and described.
Each tree was numbered and characterized.
During the 2004-2005 reporting period 13 forest units and 23 forest unit subdivision of genetic
reserves were registered, and 40 temporary sample plots have been established. 21 plus trees were
described and information obtained and entered into the data base in Mtskheta, Akhmeta, Tianeti,
Dmanisii, Kaspi, Dusheti, Telavi, Kvareli and Tetriwkaro regions.
The priority of protection and conservation of the gene pool of the Georgian forest ecosystems
especially in beech forests, which occupy almost half of the territory of the countries forests is
determined by its connection with the commitments of Georgia to the international convention
“on biological diversity” (The Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992, web-site: http://www.
cbd.int) and the government priorities, determined by the strategy and action plan of Georgia on
biodiversity (web-site: http://www.nacres.org/pdf/bsap_ge.pdf; Resolution of Government Georgia
#2 , 2005.19.02. (web-site: http://www.garemo. itdc.ge/ storage/ assets/ bsapge.pdf).
In situ conservation of species and their habitats firstly requires firm observance of the principles of
sustainable nature management, in particular, the harmonization of environmental, economical and
social factors.
Based on the above principles, endemic, relic and rare plant species of local flora, and groups of
living organisms, formed by their prevalence, distinguished by structural, functional, geographical,
environmental and other characteristic features, which in nature are presented by ecosystems of high
conservation values, groups of phytocenoses and the main and secondary types (associations) of
phytocenoses, are subject to conservation of ecosystem and species diversity in the first place.
The success of measures for in situ conservation of species and ecosystem diversity demands
protection of ecosystems of high conservation value through effective management.
In this connection and taking into account the unique biological diversity and tourist recreation
resources of Georgia, territorial protection of nature and development of tourism related to it must
be considered as one of the highest priorities. Successful implementation of this activity requires
regulation of the process of spatial arrangement (development of infrastructure, taking into account
cultural heritage and requirements of environment protection), as well formation of modern effective
protected areas.
In the scope of the 2005 – 2010 program on ex-situ conservation of habitats and species established
by the strategy and action plan of biodiversity of Georgia (web-site: http://www.nacres.org/pdf/bsap_
ge.pdf; Rezolution of Georgia government #2 , 2005.19.02. web-site: http://www.garemo. itdc.ge/
storage /assets/ bsapge.pdf certain results are achieved from the point of view of identification and
determination of the ways of conservation of important places of biodiversity outside the protected
areas. In particular, under the financial and methodological support of the biodiversity conservation
foundation the research fulfilled in 2009 within the project, have identified “wildlife monuments”,
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