R&B Timber Group has shared the following infographic and article originally published by CGIAR. The information below is no longer at the CGIAR website.

Although often ignored, forest genetic resources matter for everything from food, to the environment and adapting to climate change. Here are 7 interesting facts about why forest and tree genetic diversity is important:

1. It is not just about the forest but also the trees

2. Forest loss and forest tree species - genetic erosion go hand in hand

3. Trees as sources of food, fuel wood and livelihoods

4. All species originated somewhere - Centres of diversity harbor valuable resources

5. Genetic diversity makes trees resistant to climate change

6. DNA can be used to crack down on illegal logging

7. Sustainably increasing production through the use of genetic diversity of trees