Are access and rights to forest genetic resources at risk? NordGen intends to explore the implications of recent developments in international legislation (e.g. Patent Law) for access and rights to forest genetic resources in the Nordic region, and how the present non-bureaucratic access can be maintained in the future.

The Agriculture and Forestry body of the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM) decided before Christmas to support a project on access and rights to genetic resources of forest trees. The body for Environmental Issues in the NCM has later granted the other half of the sum. In addition to contribution from NCM, NordGen and national representatives contributes by own means. The project is planned during 2009 and 2010, with the Fridtjof Nansen Institute in Norway as an important collaborator.