Background Sustainable forest management is based on the long-term adaptability of forest ecosystems that starts at the genetic level. Forest genetic monitoring (FGM) is therefore a crucial component of any sustainable forest management operation, as it presents the possibility of detecting potentially harmful changes in forest adaptability before they are seen at higher levels. By introducing genetic monitoring into conservation programmes and sustainable forest management, it is possible to assess information on relevant changes of a species’ adaptive and neutral genetic variation through time. Objectives The main aim of the LIFEGENMON project is to develop a system for forest genetic monitoring (FGM) to serve as an early-warning system to aid in the assessment of a species’ response to environmental change on a long-term temporal scale. Key project objectives are: To define optimal indicators and verifiers for monitoring changes in genetic diversity across a transect from Bavaria to Greece for two selected target species (Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba); To prepare guidelines for FGM for these two, and an additional five species, which differ in their biology and distribution, for the implementation of FGM at a national, regional and EU scale; To prepare a manual for FGM, for implementation at EU level; To prepare a decision support system for an optimal choice of the level of FGM, based on needs and means; To organise a series of training courses for the forestry sector for implementation of FGM in their territories; To establish a well-functioning internationally-linked team of forestry professionals working on FGM; and To provide access to all information directly, through existing networks or beneficiaries, and if requested, to transfer data to the EU Forest Data Centre of JRC. Expected results: The project expects to achieve: Genetic monitoring regions delineated for seven species within the transect countries; Six genetic monitoring sites installed in three countries: two sites per country, one for Fagus sylvatica, and one for Abies alba and Abies borisii-regis; A database for storing demographic and genetic data; Minimum and optimal number of indicators and verifiers defined for three monitoring levels; Cost estimation of genetic monitoring per species, level and indicator assessed; Standardised protocols for collecting demographic and genetic data; Seven species-specific guidelines and strategies for the European FGM system; A manual for FGM, containing practical advice and including consequences for sustainable forest management; A decision support system; Background documents and guidelines for policy-makers at the national, regional and the EU level for supporting the development of possible new regulations at the national level, the FOREST Europe process, and for future European forestry and biodiversity conservation policies and strategies; and A solid background for preparation of future unified strategies for application of FGM to halt biodiversity loss at a European level.