Conservation approaches vary between countries depending on priority species, socio-economic contexts, resources and capacities, and currently there are no commonly agreed, specific definitions of in situ species conservation units. This makes it difficult to assess the conservation status of the species across their distribution ranges and country borders, and to identify spatial conservation priorities.

The objectives of this guideline are to:
• enable a regional assessment of the conservation status of native Asian tree species and their genetic resources using readily available information
• enable the identification and recognition of sites that already serve, or have the potential to serve, as genetic conservation units and seed sources for native tree species, so that relevant measures can be taken to safeguard them
• support the identification of priorities and collaboration opportunities for ecological and genetic research on native Asian tree species across country borders