Protection and restoration of remaining populations of Abies Alba Mill., Picea excelsa lam. and Taxus baccata l in the emilian apennines

The main goal of the Life Nature 95 project Misure di salvaguardia delle popolazioni relitte di Abies alba Miller, Picea excelsa Lam, Taxus baccata L. e dei loro habitat naturali sull'Appennino Emiliano, cofinanced by the European Commission and Regione Emilia-Romagna is the protection and restoration of silver fir, Norway spruce and yew stands of the Western Emilia Apennines (Dir CEE43/92). The specific goals are the conservation of the vegetational habitats, the foundation of new groups of autochthonous trees and the sensitization of public opinion about the conservation of autochthonous genetic resources. The populations will be genetically characterized to ascertain their autochthonous origin. The characterization will be carried out using molecular markers (RAPDs) to recognize polymorphisms at the DNA level. Life is a financial tool provided by the European Commission to contribute to the development of the Community environmental policy. This project is comprised in the Sector, having the right of priority, Habitats and nature protection; particularly, it follows the Program of protection or restoration of natural habitats and animal and vegetal species of Community interest that are comprised in Attachment I and II of Directive 92/43/CEE of the European Council, concerning the conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna.