Title: The Silent Loss of Tree Diversity: A Global Concern

Introduction:
In a world where forests are often seen as mere backdrops, a silent crisis is unfolding. Tree diversity, a vital component of our ecosystem, is rapidly declining, and the consequences are far-reaching. Alice Muchugi, a renowned expert in tree genetic resources, has dedicated her career to ensuring the sustainable use and conservation of these precious resources. In this exclusive interview, Muchugi shares her concerns and insights on the importance of tree conservation.

The Vital Role of Germplasm:
Muchugi emphasizes the significance of germplasm, which includes live plants, suspension cultures, and more than just seeds. She cites the example of maize in East Africa, which was almost eradicated due to the Little Necrosis disease. The term germplasm describes seeds, plants, or plant parts used in crop breeding, research, and conservation. "If it were not for the genebank, you can imagine the impact this would have had on the food security within the country," she said.

The Ongoing Loss of Tree Genetic Resources:
Muchugi highlights the alarming rate at which tree genetic resources are being lost. "If we have not collected all these species, put the seeds in the genebank, before they are all cut down, it means that we will have lost all that diversity. And some of this diversity is what now we are using to restore in some of these restoration projects that are all over." She notes that only about 30% of the known tree species are currently being utilized in some form, and only a small fraction are undergoing improvement efforts.

The Importance of Conservation:
Muchugi stresses the importance of conservation, citing the example of the apple tree, which has lost its underlying genetic diversity over time. She also highlights the extinction of 137 tree species, as revealed by a recent tree census conducted by the FAO. "They found out we have already lost 137 species. They are extinct. We will never see them. They are gone and those who are coming will never see them," she said.

Challenges and Solutions:
Muchugi identifies one of the major challenges in conserving certain tree species as the inability to store their seeds in gene banks. This exposes the trees to similar challenges in natural environments, such as pests and diseases. She emphasizes the significance of the World Agroforestry Gene Bank, which recently lacked support from CGIAR. National governments must take a more active role in tree conservation, she argues.

Conclusion:
The loss of tree diversity is a pressing global concern that requires immediate attention. Muchugi’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the need for sustainable use of tree genetic resources. As we move forward, it is crucial that we prioritize the preservation of our planet’s precious tree diversity, not just for the sake of the trees themselves, but for the well-being of our entire ecosystem.