Biodiversity and genetic resources in forests of the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – their manifold significance

Abstract

The flora, fauna and fungi of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the most diverse in Europe, whereas being abundant in endemic and relic species sets this region high at the level of global biological diversity. As much as 30% of the total endemic flora of the Balkans can be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Negative activities in the past decreased the number and led to extinction of certain plant species, causing disruption of entire ecosystems. It is not easy to preserve and improve the use of biodiversity, particularly if forest genetic resources in the Republic of Srpska (B&H) are included. Nevertheless, if a long-term plan is made and therefore implemented, the results will be evident. Each stage of protection and breeding activities has its specific purposes and in most cases it poses only a part of the overall activities. In situ and ex situ conservation methods are applied in order to preserve the essential parts of forest communities, along with environment, populations of tree species, individual species or genes. During the last two decades, starting from quantitative and population genetics, significant progress has been made in identifying indicators of genetic diversity of species. Understanding the genetic variability of forest communities is of great importance. Without this capacity it would be impossible to achieve permanent success in preserving and conserving the gene pool of a large number of species, since understanding the genetic variability itself represents an objective parameter of intra- and interpopulation adaptive and productive potential. Previous research activites in the Republic of Srpska (B&H) at morphological level focused on comparative analyses of a larger number of quantitative and qualitative properties, moreover, at molecular level it was confirmed that tree species are abundant in genetic material, which makes the starting point for both current and future breeding processes of forest tree species. Understanding the genetic potential of forests in the Republic of Srpska (B&H), and the possibilities of its targeted use, along with the economic importance, is also crucial for the processes of forest species adaptation. It is important to keep in mind that in situ conservation objects do not represent complexes made up from forest communities which are exempted from the regime of regular management and in which cultivation and protection measures are carried outas they are usually carried in forests of special purposes, in fact, they are pilot objects which need comprehensive analyses of production, adaptive and reproductive potential of tree species population. According to multiyear analyses, it is observed that life manifestations which form the basis of population stability, in both time and space, have regime and dynamics, as well. They are essential for for complex breeding methods, such as selection and hybridization. Conservation of forest genetic resources includes extremely complex and extensive activities involving previous experience, information base and financial resources. Only a systematic approach can guarantee that all important genetic resources can be kept in reasonable number of required facilities and at acceptable costs. It should be borne in mind that there are no standard solutions for in situ and ex situ conservation. Solutions should be linked and adapted to bioecological properties of species, demographic and ecogeographic environment that prevails in conservation regions, conservation objects and within national, social and political contexts. Previous activities on forest genetic resources conservation are insufficient. Moreover, unplanned and unconscious human actions (forest exploitation, forest fires, tourism development, loss of forest land, etc.) and climate change continuously endanger genetic resources. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy for preservation, conservation and targeted use of forest genetic resources in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will serve as a basis for planning activities within this area.