Chair: Mr Georg von Wühlisch (Germany)

Vice Chair: Mr Alexis Ducousso (France)

Oaks (Quercus spp.) and beech species (Fagus spp.) are major broadleaved tree species in large part of Europe. These species often form pure stands or a significant component in mixed broadleaved forests, depending on species and silvicultural techniques applied. These stand-forming broadleaves have high economic and ecological importance and their genetic resources have suffered from drought, air pollution, defoliators, diseases and improper silvicultural techniques. In the Mediterranean region

The Stand-forming Broadleaves Network was established in January 2005 to continue to the work of the Mediterranean Oaks Network and the Temperate Oaks and Beech Network. These two earlier Networks had operated since 1995 and 1997, respectively. The Mediterranean Oaks Network initiated its activities as the Quercus suber (cork oak) Network and the Temperate Oaks and Beech Network was called as the Social Broadleaves Network until 2002.

The Stand-forming Broadleaves Network will focus on promoting practical implementation of technical guidelines which have been published for European white oaks (Quercus robur and Q. petraea) and which are also under finalization for cork oak and beech (Fagus sylvatica). Furthermore, the Network will continue facilitating development and implementation of long-term conservation strategies for stand-forming broadleaves. The first meeting of the Network, which will be held in Viterbo, Italy on 20-22 October 2005, will discuss additional activities and develop a work plan.