The work with conservation of genetic diversity at Swedish official agencies : comparing practices with regulations

Abstract: Abstract It is widely recognized that the ability for species and populations to adapt to changes in their environment is correlated with their genetic variation. Despite this, genetic diversity is rarely taken into consideration in the practical management of biodiversity or in the leg-islation controlling the management. Even in cases when genetic diversity is protected by law, other issues are often prioritized. In Sweden, the neglect of the need to monitor genet-ic diversity is extra alarming as many of the species found here are on the border of their range and may be extra sensitive to changes in the environment. In this thesis work, a questionnaire study was performed among officials working with nature conservation at Swedish County Administrative Boards (CABs) and Municipalities. The study aimed at investigating if officials are working with conserving genetic diversity, how such questions are identified, by who they are identified, what species they concern and if the officials are satisfied with their work. A literature review was also performed, aiming at investigating how genetic diversity is protected by Swedish legislation. The an-swers from the questionnaire survey were compared to the legislative obligations described in the literature review and analyzed for differences between the target groups. The literature review showed that very few parts of the Swedish legislation explicitly cover genetics, but that several sections indirectly cover the topic. The questionnaire survey showed that all officials at the CABs had made decisions about the need to monitor and/or conserve genetic diversity, whereas most officials at the Municipalities had not. Officials at CABs often had colleagues with similar knowledge about genetics as them-selves, whereas officials at the Municipalities did not. At the CABs, officials had only discussed the genetics of species that are endangered and protected by law. At the municipalities, both rare and common species had been discussed in terms of genetics. At both levels of governance, most officials were uncomfortable with their own and their colleagues ability to identify matters of concern that are related to genetic diversity. Most officials were also discontent with how questions concerning genetics are managed at their place of work and think that their knowledge concerning genetics could be enhanced. Already in 2006, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency called for a National Secretariat that would deal with genetic diversity. The results from this thesis work indi-cate that such a national center for counseling in genetic conservation would be valuable, as officials at all governmental levels would then be able to contact it and get advice concerning conservation of genetic diversity. Apart from giving advice to officials in need for it, the center could also be responsible for arranging courses to further enhance the knowledge in genetics possessed by officials at all governmental levels, thus further en-hancing the ability of officials to make well-grounded decisions.