 |  | |  | |||
|  | | ||||
| ||||||
| | | | | | |
 |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
There are over 2,200 botanic gardens in 153 countries around the World working together to reduce the careless and unnecessary loss of plant species. At least 30% of all endangered plant species are already alive and well in botanic garden collections but there is still much more that we can and should do. In April 2002 the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation was published giving botanic gardens around the World a focus for their conservation work. Strategies come and go but this one is special because, for the first time ever, 181 Governments have set themselves measurable targets to be met by 2010. As you explore our Garden you can find out more about what we and other botanic gardens are doing to meet the 16 targets. For a more in depth decription of the targets, please download the pdf file on this page.Target 1. A widely accessible working list of known plant species, as a step towards a complete World flora. Target 2. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of all known plant species, at national, regional and international levels. Target 3. Development of models with protocols for plant conservation and sustainable use. Target 4. At least 10% of each of the World’s ecological regions effectively conserved. Target 5. Protection of 50% of the most important areas for plant diversity assured. Target 6. At least 30% of production lands managed consistent with the conservation of plant diversity. Target 7. 60% of the world’s threatened species conserved in situ. Target 8. 60% of threatened plant species in accessible ex-situ collections preferably in the country of origin and 10% of them included in recovery and restoration programmes. Target 9. 70% of the genetic diversity of crops and other major socio-economically valuable plant species conserved and associated indigenous and local knowledge maintained. Target 10. Management plans in place of at least 100 major alien species that threaten plants, plant communities and associated habitats and ecosystems. Target 11. No species of wild flora endangered by international trade. Target 12. 30% of plant-based products derived from sources that are sustainably managed. Target 13. The decline of plant resources, and associated indigenous and local knowledge, innovations and practices that support sustainable livelihoods, local food security and health care, halted. Target 14. The importance of plant diversity and the need for its conservation incorporated into communication, educational and public-awareness programmes. Target 15. Number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation increased, according to national needs, to achieve the targets of this strategy. Target 16. Networks for plant conservation activities established or strengthened at national, regional and international levels. Saving the World’s FloraThese sixteen targets are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-restricted. It might initially be assumed that a botanic garden such as ours is too small to be able to make a significant contribution but this would be a mistake. With more than 2,000 gardens contributing according to their size, the botanic garden community is making a very significant contribution to halting the needless loss of plants around the World.
| |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | |
