Cooperative aproaches for genetic improvement and conservation of forest resources in Chile, Colombia and Costa Rica

Abstract

Having the purpose of develop strategies for the improvement and conservation of the forest genetic resources, relevant aspects of three Cooperatives implemented in Latin-American countries are described: First, the Chilean Cooperative of Forest Genetic Improvement, the entity that coordinates mainly the efforts of private companies using the two main species planted in that country: Pinus radiate D. Don and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Second, The Colombian Cooperative of Forest Genetic Improvement —COMFORE— that focus its activities in the improvement and conservation of the four native species: Tabebuia rosea Bertold DC., Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pavón) Oken, Alnus acuminata Kunth y Tectona grandis Linn F. with commercial purposes. This Cooperative involves both public and private institutions. Third, The Cooperative of Conservation and Genetic Improvement (GENFORES) managed by the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica. This Cooperative’s mission is the exploration, conservation and improvement of the forest genetic resources of Costa Rica. Its efforts includes one Program using species of low lands (< 1.000 m.o.s.l.) and another using species of higher lands (> 1.000 m.o.s.l.) such as teak (Tectona grandis Linn F) and melina (Gmelina arborea) including also another six native species of the Centro American region.