Developing a Public Policy for Forest Genetic Resources

This paper analyzes France’s efforts to construct a coherent public policy for forest genetic resources (FGR). It emphasizes the need for an integrated legislative and regulatory framework that covers the inventory, conservation, selection, sustainable use, and trade of FGR. The author highlights the complementary role of up-to-date scientific research and stakeholder consultation through dedicated bodies, such as the Section Arbres forestiers of the Permanent Technical Committee for Cultivated Plant Selection and the Commission on Forest Genetic Resources. The study also discusses the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of the 2014 agriculture, food, and forestry law in recognizing FGR management as a matter of public interest.