1. LIGURIA’S FOREST BIODIVERISITY CENTRE
Since 2013, within the forest nursery several experimental activities have been carried out in order
to establish the regional forest biodiversity centre.
The main objective is the conservation of Liguria’s forest biodiversity. The conservation start from
seeds collection in forest stands certified included in the Regional Register of Basic Materials
(RRMB). Once collected, the seeds can follow two different paths: sow and grow in the forest
nursery or preserved in the seed bank.
The seeds selected for sowing, are planted in holes plastic seeding box and placed in the
greenhouse. After one year, will be transplanted and placed outdoors and can be used for forest
enhancement or forest restoration in areas damaged by natural events.
The seeds for storage are cleaned, treated, processed and then placed in thermostatic cabinets
where they will be conserved for four years. These operations are carried out within the
laboratory equipped with all the necessary technology (dehumidifiers, air conditioners, freezer
column, fridge, sieves column, tools for germination test).
Seed conservation allow to protect, safeguard and preserve the heritage of Liguria native forest.
Currently 20 forest species are conserved in the forest nursery, including several species of oaks,
ash trees, beeches, maples, alders, the hornbeam and the most typical Mediterranean species
such as carob tree and arbutus unedo.