The report, entitled 'Genetic considerations in ecosystem restoration using native tree species', considers that forests have a key role to make landscapes more resilient. Consequently, where suitable, the restoration of forest ecosystems could be a good strategy to deal with problems associated to climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification, in addition to supporting local communities.

The choice of native tree species and of the right approach can help to make these restoration projects successful. In order to give guidance on this subject to researchers, policy makers and practitioners, the report collects recommendations and examples of good practices.

In this respect, the importance of using native tree species was already recognized by the Helsinki Resolution H1 of FOREST EUROPE. This resolution was endorsed during the Second Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe, which took place in Helsinki, Finland, in 1993. As is stated in the General Guidelines for the Sustainable Management of Forests in Europe, contained in this resolution, "native species and local provenances should be preferred where appropriate. The use of species, provenances, varieties or ecotypes outside their natural range should be discouraged where their introduction would endanger important/valuable indigenous ecosystems, flora and fauna. Introduced species may be used when their potential negative impacts have been assessed and evaluated over sufficient time, and where they provide more benefits than do indigenous ones in terms of wood production and other functions. Whenever introduced species are used to replace local ecosystems, sufficient action should be taken at the same time to conserve native flora and fauna".

FAO's report can be downloaded from this link: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i3938e.pdf