Proceedings of a UKPopNet workshop on The conservation of genetic diversity: science and policy needs in a changing world, held at Losehill Hall from 19-21 October 2005. The following questions were addressed:
*What is conservation seeking to achieve from a genetic standpoint?
*Can molecular markers be used to determine which of a species' population are conservation priorities?
*Do we really need to know about genetic variation?
*What strategies do we need to adopt to conserve the processes that sustain diversity?
*How should we strike a balance between conserving local adaptation, avoiding inbreeding depression and promoting future adaptability
*Protected areas or landscapes: a simple choice?
*Where are the key gaps in our knowledge, and what action or research is needed to address these?