Abstract
Genetic variability provides the basis for biological life, ecosystem function, and evolutionary potential. Yet, this level of diversity lags behind in international policy implementation. This project will provide information on genetic variation that links directly to implementation of the new Strategic Plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It will answer questions on how changes that threaten genetic biodiversity can be detected, and suggest indicators for monitoring and for assuring sustainable use of gene level biodiversity. Aims include I) evaluating statistical efficiency of different methods for detecting genetic change of characteristics such as population structure (between population variation) and genetically effective population size (within population diversity), II) applying results from (I) to empirical data from species with different types of genetic structuring to explore what kind of genetic changes that can be detected in these species with different levels of ambition with respect to sampling in space and time. Species of socio-economic importance will be used. III) Identifying potential targets and cost effective indicators for conserving genetic variation of wild populations based on results from (I,II) and testing promising candidates using already published data from other species, and IV) communicating results and suggestions into the CBD implementation process through established channels with stakeholders and end-user agencies.
Sweden