On March 3–5, Kaunas hosted a meeting of the COST GENOA Working Groups. Scientists from 30 countries participated in the meeting. LAMMC was represented by Dr. Rita Verbylaitė, a researcher at the Department of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding of the Institute of Forestry, and the event participants were greeted by Dr. Marius Aleinikovas, Deputy Director of Institute of Forestry Activities of LAMMC. The event was hosted by the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry and Lietuvos Inzinerijos Kolegija Higher Education Institution.
GENOA (Genetic Nature Observation and Action) is a European network connecting scientists and environmental specialists involved in the protection of genetic diversity. By promoting the use of indicators to assess the genetic health of populations, GENOA aims to monitor genetic biodiversity in an accessible and efficient way. This is particularly important given the global loss of biodiversity and the integration of genetic monitoring into European conservation efforts.
GENOA will co-develop dissemination packages to both inform and engage with targeted key actors to enable better understanding of genetic diversity information. Monitoring, reporting and application of genetic data will improve and contribute to biodiversity conservation. Additionally, GENOA will increase awareness to the public of genetic diversity as the foundation of biodiversity at all levels, as well as better use of genetic information in application.
The GENOA network is open for new participants to join the knowledge-sharing hub. Set sail with GENOA!
Photos ©Rita Verbylaitė
