1. BACKGROUND

2. 1. The first steps towards the development of regional cooperation for the production and exchange of selected planting material as well as the coordination of forestry research on forest tree species were taken during the 8th session of Silva Mediterranea (Dubrovnik, 11-15 May 1962). Tasks and activities of the Network were further elaborated during the 14th session of the Mediterranean Forestry Research Committee, held in Ankara, Turkey, on 29 and 30 September 1970.

   2. The activities of the network are planned and coordinated by the Network Coordinator, who at present is Mr. M. Topak (Turkey), selected as Network Coordinator during the 15th session of Silva Mediterranea , held in Portugal in 1992.

3. AIMS OF THE NETWORK

3. The aims of the Network on Selection of stands of Mediterranean Conifers are:

• collect information on available conifer forest tree seed sources in member countries and prepare a directory for the use of member countries;
• determine common selection criteria to be used in member countries and develop registration forms for seed sources;
• establish a seed bank to meet the needs of member countries;
• determine the pattern of genetic diversity in major forest tree species;
• carry out studies on the selection and establishment of new seed sources by taking into account the balancing of seed demand and seed production possibility in determined regions or origins;
• initiate joint research programmes among member countries to support tree improvement in target species;
• carry out studies on other related subjects in accordance with the recommendations of FAO or member countries.

1. NETWORK ACTIVITIES

2. 4. For the realisation of the Directory of seed Sources of the Mediterranean Conifers, a circular letter including the terms of reference, aims of the network, and a questionnaire on seed sources was prepared and distributed to focal points in 24 member countries in 1993.

   5. Based on seventeen replies to the questionnaire, a "Draft Directory of Seed Sources of the Mediterranean Conifers" providing information on selected or established seed sources of 37 species from 9 genera, was prepared and distributed to member countries for comments, corrections and suggestions. Most countries replied and the final version of the Directory was published and distributed in July 1997.

   6. Other activities such as exchange of information, seeds and vegetative material among member countries were carried out. Unfortunately no progress has been achieved to date as regards the establishment of a Seed Bank for Mediterranean Conifers. In coordination with FAO, it is proposed to undertake in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures for endangered species in all member countries.

   7. Regarding the development of a regional Breeding Programme for Pinus pinea, coordinated by Mr. B. Fady (INRA, France), seeds from four Turkish provenances were collected and sent to him. Under this programme, joint provenance trials (with 19 provenances of P. pinea collected from six member countries) were established in Turkey, together with other countries. A study tour was organised by FAO for the Network Coordinator and a few other member countries, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia. This study provided a good opportunity to study seed production and tree improvement Network activities in these member countries and good support for the publication of the "Directory of Seed Sources of the Mediterranean Conifers".

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

8. In spite of difficulties in cooperation and contributions of focal points and countries, the network was able to produce successful outputs (such as the Directory of Seed Sources). In order to improve the network’s future activities, the following issues could be considered. Each country should assign a focal point who would devote part of his/her time to activities of the network. Part of the Silva Mediterranea programme budget should be provided to support critical activities for focal point meetings, visits to other countries and implementation input. However, successful network activities and the development of regional cooperation depend mostly on the support of authorities in member countries and their commitment to the implementation of the proposals. Meanwhile the network will continue to supply tree seeds to individuals and institutions for member countries upon request.