Journal of Botanic Gardens Conservation International

BGjournalVolume 1 • Number 1 • July 2004

Report of the Second World Botanic Gardens Congress in Barcelona

Developing Targets for the International Agenda How to join Botanic Gardens Conservation International

The mission of BGCI is to build a Institutions can join BGCI for the following benefits: world network for plant conservation. • Membership of the worldwide plant conservation network It was founded in 1987 and now • Botanic Garden Management Resource Pack (upon joining)* includes over 525 member • Regular publications: institutions in 115 countries, working - the regular newsletter, Cuttings together to implement the - BGjournal – an international journal for botanic gardens (2 per year) International Agenda for Botanic - Roots - environmental education review (2 per year) Gardens in Conservation and the - A wide range of new publications new Global Strategy for Plant • Invitations to BGCI congresses and discounts on registration fees Conservation. • BGCI technical support and advisory services

Institution Membership £ Stlg US $ £ Euros

A BGCI Patron Institution 5000 7500 7500 B Institution member (budget more than US$2,250,000) 600 940 940 C Institution member (budget US$ 1,500,000 - 2,250,000) 440 660 660 D Institution member (budget US$ 750,000 - 1,500,000) 300 440 440 E Institution member (budget US$ 100,000 - 750,000) 160 220 220 F Institution member (budget below US$100,000)* 75 110 110 *Generally applies to institutions in less developed countries

Other Membership Categories: • Regular publications: - the regular newsletter, Cuttings Membership benefits depend on - BGjournal - an international journal for botanic gardens (2 per year) category - see below. These can - Roots - Environmental Education Review (2 per year) include: • Invitations to BGCI congress and discounts on registration fees

Corporate Membership £ Stlg US $ £ Euros

G Corporate Gold Member (BGjournal, Roots and Cuttings plus more) 5000 7500 7500 H Corporate Silver Member (BGjournal, Roots and Cuttings plus more) 1000 1500 1500

Individual Membership £ Stlg US $ £ Euros

J Conservation donor (BGjournal, Roots and Cuttings plus more) 160 220 220 K Associate member (Cuttings and BGjournal) 355050 L Associate member (Cuttings and Roots) 355050 M Friend (Cuttings) available through online subscription only (www.bgci.org) 10 15 15

*Contents of the Botanic Garden Management Resource Pack: The Darwin Technical Manual for Botanic Gardens, A Handbook for Botanic Gardens on the Reintroduction of Plants to the Wild, A CITES Manual for botanic gardens, BGjournal - an international journal for botanic gardens (2 past issues), Roots - environmental education review (2 past issues), The International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation, Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Environmental Education in Botanic Gardens, BG-Recorder (a computer software package for plant records).

Payment may be made by cheque payable to Botanic Gardens Conservation International,or online at www.bgci.org or by VISA/Mastercard sent to BGCI, Descanso House, 199 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3BW, U.K or Fax: +44 (0) 20 8332 5956.

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Please clearly state your name (or the name of your institution) on all documentation. Please contact [email protected] for further information. Contents

02 Editorial

Editors: Etelka Leadlay and Peter Wyse Jackson 03 Forthcoming Meetings

Cover Photo: Serapias Lingua (Photo: Timothy Walker) 04 Developing international targets for botanic gardens in Design: John Morgan, Seascape E-mail: [email protected] conservation

Submissions for the next issue should reach the editor before 31st October, 2004. We would be very grateful 07 Report of the 2nd World Botanic Gardens Congress, for text on diskette or via e-mail, as well as a hard copy. Please send photographs as original slides or prints Barcelona, Spain unless scanned to a very high resolution (300 pixels/inch and 100mm in width); digital images need to be of a high resolution for printing. If you would like The Millennium Seed Bank Project International Programme further information, please request Notes for authors. 15

BGjournal is produced by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). It is published twice a year and is 17 Conserving Grevillea williamsonii: the importance of sent to all BGCI members. Membership is open to all taxonomic research for appropriate conservation action interested individuals, institutions and organisations that support the aims of BGCI (see inside back cover for membership application form). 20 Role of St Petersburg Botanic Garden in the establishment Further details available from: • Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Descanso of the Lower Choper Nature Park House, 199 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3BW UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5953, Fax: +44 (0)20 8332 5956 E-mail: [email protected], www.bgci.org 22 Ornamental Grasses in Argentina: introduction and • BGCI-Russia, c/o Main Botanical Gardens, Botanicheskaya st., 4, Moscow 127276, Russia. cultivation of native and exotic species Tel: +7 (095) 219 6160 / 5377, Fax: +7 (095) 218 0525, E-mail: [email protected], www.bgci.ru • BGCI (U.S.) Inc., c/o Judith Zuk, Secretary/Treasurer, 24 International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation; 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11225-1099, U.S.A. Tel: +1 718 623 7200, new registrants Fax: +1 718 857 2430, www.bgci.org/us • BGCI-Netherlands, c/o Utrecht University Botanic Gardens, P.O. Box 80162, NL-3508 TD, Netherlands. Gardens Online - The BGCI worldwide botanic gardens Tel: +31 30 253 2876, Fax: +31 30 253 5177, 26 E-mail: [email protected], database and a new international database of plant collections www.bi.uu.nl/botgard • BGCI-Canarias, c/o Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo, Apartado de Correos 14, Tafira Alta 35017, Short Communications Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain. 29 Tel: +34 928 21 95 80/82/83, Fax: +34 928 21 95 81, E-mail: [email protected] • BGCI-China and South East Asia, c/o National Parks 31 Book Notices Board, Cluny Road, Singapore 259569. Email: [email protected], www.bgci.org/china • BGCI-Colombia , c/o Jardín Botánico de Bogotá, Registration Form International Agenda for Botanic Gardens Jose Celestino Mutis, Av. No. 61-13 – A.A. 59887, Santa 32 Fe de Bogotá, D.C., Colombia. Tel: +57 630 0949, in Conservation Fax: +57 630 5075, E-mail: [email protected], www.humboldt.org.co/jardinesdecolombia/ html/la_red.htm Publications List • BGCI-Deutschland, c/o Botanische Gärten der Universität Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 171, 53115 Bonn, Germany. Tel: +49 2 2873 9055, Fax: +49 2 28731690, E-mail: [email protected]

BGCI is a worldwide membership organization established in 1987. Its mission is to build a global network for plant 07 07 conservation. BGCI is an independent organization registered in the United Kingdom as a charity (Charity Reg No 1098834) and a company limited by guarantee, No 4673175. BGCI is a tax-exempt (501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the USA and in Russia.

Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Boards or staff of BGCI or of its members

BGjournal replaces BGCNews and will be published twice a year. BGjournal has been given a new name as the news section of BGCNews and Roots (Botanic 15 Gardens Conservation International Education Review) is now contained in Cuttings which is published quarterly. There have been 31 issues of BGCNews published twice yearly from 1987-2003.

20 22

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 01 Editorial Table 1 Feature articles included in BGCI’s magazine, Botanic Gardens Conservation News (December 1987 to December 2003).

Europe (East and West) 57 Global botanic garden issues and policies 40 Latin America and the Caribbean 39 Africa and Indian Ocean 36 East and South East Asia 34 North America 33 Botanic Garden Conference reports 31 South Asia 29 It is a pleasure for me to write an Botanic garden techniques and practices 25 editorial for this the first issue of Russia, Ukraine and other countries of former Soviet Union 24 BGCI’s new publication, BGjournal. Australasia 23 It is now seventeen years since BGCI’s South West Asia and the Middle East 9 first serial publication Botanic Gardens Conservation News was launched, Total 380 which has appeared without fail twice a year since then. Remarkably the format of BGCNews was changed little over the seventeen years, partly Over the last few months BGCI has We believe that it is important to because it has mainly retained the made considerable efforts to ensure maintain standards in these articles and same editors but also because it was that these articles are newly accessible will continue to follow the rigorous developed into a format that readers and available to users. Copies of most editorial policy that we have pursued came to know and expect. It included have now been posted on the BGCI over the last decades to ensure that all a list of forthcoming meetings, website (www.bgci.org) and later in the articles published meet necessary obituaries (thankfully not too many!), year these will be made easily standards. Up to now the articles have news from the botanic garden accessible by means of an easy-to-use not been formally peer-reviewed (other community and from BGCI itself, book search facility. than by the BGCI editorial team and a reviews and announcements and a range of ad hoc BGCI advisors who series of longer feature articles about However with the launch of BGCI’s have helped us over the years). botanic gardens, their projects and new quarterly newsletter, Cuttings, in However we would be interested to reports of important conferences and 2004 we felt that the time had come to have your views as to whether you other major developments in the review the format of BGCNews and its would wish a peer-review system to be botanic garden scene worldwide. purpose. There is clearly a need for an developed for all or some of the articles international medium where articles included in BGjournal in the future. Over a total of 31 issues of the related to botanic garden activities, magazine some 380 feature articles advances, achievements and results We are keen to ensure that this journal have been included covering an may be published and placed “on the remains accessible for all those impressive range of subjects relevant record”. For that reason it was working in or with botanic gardens, to botanic gardens. Table 1 shows the decided to re-launch BGCNews as a whether they are scientist, number of articles related to global new publication entitled BGjournal. In horticulturist, manager, administrator, activities, conference reports and BGjournal, we hope to include a range interested non-professional or others. activities undertaken by botanic of longer feature articles and shorter Nevertheless the increasing gardens in each region of the world. notes to provide a means for the sophistication and professionalism of In total it amounts to an extremely publication and dissemination of botanic garden activities worldwide, in comprehensive and substantial body of botanic garden work which might not support of scientific research, published work, a valuable future otherwise be published or be conservation, environmental protection, reference source for botanic gardens appropriate for inclusion in scientific public awareness, sustainable worldwide. journals. development and the preservation of cultural diversity and heritages places new demands for such a journal to

02 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) September 19 - 22, 2004 Forthcoming TVER, RUSSIA

Meetings Living in harmony: botanic gardens and society

The Botanic Garden of Tver State University is holding an international conference, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Garden. For further June 9 – 12, 2004 information about the conference contact Olga DALLAS, U.S.A. Volkova, Secretary, Botanic Garden of Tver State University Zhelaybova Str, 33, Tver, Russia, 2004 AABGA (American Association of Botanical 170000. Tel: +7 (0822) 315318; Gardens and Arboreta) Annual Conference Fax: +7 (0822) 321274, E-mail: [email protected] The How-to Conference

For registration contact Sarah Maietta, AABGA November 17 - 25, 2004 Office Manager, 100 W 10th St Ste 614, Wilmington BANGKOK, THAILAND DE 1980, U.S.A. Tel: +1 302-655-7100 ext. 11, Third IUCN World Conservation Congress Fax: +1 302 655 8100, E-mail: [email protected] or Dan Stark, AABGA The World Conservation Congresses are held every Executive Director, Tel: +1 302-655-7100 ext. 16, 3 to 4 years for IUCN members to set the work E-mail: [email protected] priorities of the Union and elect its Council for the inter-sessional period. For more information about the World Conservation Congress visit the website July 5 - 8, 2004 at http://www.iucn.org/about/wcc/wcc.pdf BIELSKA, POLAND serve the botanic garden community. The environmental Czech-Polish–Slovak Scientific Conference of July 18 - 23, 2005 education community is well served Botanical Gardens VIENNA, AUSTRIA Biodiversity conservation and ecological education by our education review Roots, – the challenges in the United Europe XVII International Botanical Congress (IBC 2005) which has also been re-launched in a new format in 2004. We hope This conference is organized by the Botanical The International Botanical Congress is held every Garden – Center for Biological Diversity six years and provides a forum for the presentation that these will be useful and Conservation of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and discussion of the latest advances in plant welcome developments for BGCI the Silesian University in Katowice, the Silesian sciences worldwide. It follows the IBCXVI which members and for botanic gardens Botanical Garden – Union of Associations and the was held in St Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. in August, 1999, which passed a resolution on the need for worldwide. We urge you to work State Forests, Katowice Regional Directorate. For further information, contact the Botanical Garden – the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). with us to continue to enhance and Center for Biological Diversity Conservation, Polish The Second Circular will be distributed in the develop this journal to meet your Academy of Sciences, Prawdziwka 2, 02-973 summer of 2004. present and future needs. Warszawa 76, Poland. Tel: +48 22 757 66 45, Fax: +48 22 757 66 45, For further information contact Dr Josef Greimler, E-mail: [email protected] Secretary-General, IBC 2005, Institute of Botany, This first issue includes a range of University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, A-1030 Vienna, important articles, including an Austria. Tel: +43-1-4277-54123, August 7, 2004 Fax: +43-1-4277-9541, extensive report on the 2nd World AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND E-mail: [email protected], Botanic Gardens Congress held in Internet: http://www.ibc2005.ac.at/ Barcelona in April 2004 and the Annual NZPCN (New Zealand Plant Conservation conclusions of each of the sessions Network) Conference June 19 - 25, 2006 held during the meeting. Many of This conference is being held at the Auckland SANTO DOMINGO, these concluding statements Regional Botanic Gardens in Auckland, New DOMINICAN REPUBLIC include important recommendations Zealand. For further information contact the NZPCN, c/o Department of Conservation, IX Congress of the Latin American Botanical for the future work of botanic P.O. Box 5086, Wellington, New Zealand. Society (IX Congreso Latinoamericano de Botánica) gardens. I would also like to draw Tel: +64 4 472 5821, Contribuyendo al conocimiento global de la flora particular attention to a consultation E-mail: [email protected] nativa latinoamericana (Contributing to the global knowledge of the native flora of Latin America) paper on the development of international targets for botanic September 17 - 20, 2004 The objectives of this Congress are to spread gardens, one of the key outputs of VALENCIA, SPAIN information about the flora of Latin America and bring the Congress. We would welcome together the botanical community to develop plans 4th European Conference on the Conservation of for the conservation and sustainable use of its flora. having your feedback on the Wild Plants proposed 2010 targets for the For further information, please contact Sonia international botanic garden This conference is being organised by Planta Lagos-Witte, President Asociación Latinoamericano Europa, the network of organisations for the de Botánica - ALB and Coordinator, IX Congreso community, helping to measure our preservation and sustainable use of the wild flora in Latinoamericano de Botánica, Jardín Botánico specific contributions towards Europe, Generalitat Valenciana (Regional Nacional, Apartado Postal 21-9, Santo Domingo, achieving the objectives of the Government of Valencia) and the Botanical Garden Dominican Republic. Tel: +1 809 385 2611/2612, Global Strategy for Plant of the University of Valencia. Fax: +1 809 385 0446, For further information visit the website at E-mail: [email protected], Conservation. http://www.nerium.net/plantaeuropa/main.htm Internet: http://www.botanica-alb.org

Peter Wyse Jackson 15th June, 2004.

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 03 Author: Peter Wyse Jackson

Developing international targets for botanic gardens in conservation: a consultation document

An important outcome of the 2nd framework for botanic garden policies, the achievement of the Global Strategy World Botanic Gardens Congress was programmes and priorities in for Plant Conservation (GSPC). The the development of a series of 20 biodiversity conservation. It was members of the group were David targets for botanic gardens* to be launched at the 1st World Botanic Bramwell (Spain), David Galbraith achieved by 2010, to help measure the Gardens Congress (Asheville, North (Canada), Douglas Gibbs (BGCI), achievement of the objectives of the Carolina, U.S.A.) and since then, over Alberto Gómez Mejía (Colombia), International Agenda for Botanic 300 botanic gardens around the world Huang Hongwen (China), Mike Gardens in Conservation** and as a have registered their commitment to Maunder (U.S.A.), Jan Rammeloo contribution towards the Global working with BGCI to implement it. (Belgium), George Schatz (U.S.A.), Strategy for Plant Conservation***. Suzanne Sharrock (BGCI), Christopher Since its launch, the International Willis (South Africa) and Peter Wyse Comments and suggestions on these Agenda has been recognised and Jackson (BGCI). draft targets are invited and, when included as a major contribution to the consensus has been obtained, it is achievement of the Global Strategy for The international group agreed that proposed to publish these targets as a Plant Conservation (GSPC), which was such targets are urgently needed, that protocol to the International Agenda. adopted by the Convention on Biological they should relate to the objectives of Below: Comments should be sent to BGCI Diversity (CBD) in April 2002. The GSPC the GSPC and that they should be Members of ([email protected]) no later itself includes 16 outcome-orientated developed and presented to the 2nd ad hoc than 31st August, 2004. targets for the conservation and World Botanic Gardens Congress for international sustainable use of plants throughout the review and endorsement. 2010 was group which Introduction world, to be achieved by 2010. proposed as the date by which the met at the botanic gardens community would aim Botanic Institute In June 2000 the International Agenda The 2nd World Botanic Gardens to achieve the targets, harmonizing of Barcelona in for Botanic Gardens in Conservation Congress, held in Barcelona Spain their implementation with the targets of April was published to provide a global from 17th to 22nd April provided an the GSPC, adopted by the Convention opportunity to review progress on the on Biological Diversity in 2002. 2010 is implementation of the International also the date set by the World Summit Agenda and through it, consider how on Sustainable Development (WSSD) botanic gardens can contribute more (Johannesburg, 2002) for the effectively to the achievement of the achievement of a target in relation to GSPC’s objectives and its targets. biodiversity included in its plan of implementation, viz. “to significantly On Friday 16th April 2004 an ad hoc reduce the rate of loss of biodiversity international group met at the Botanic by 2010”. Institute of Barcelona to consider the need for targets for botanic gardens to These draft targets were subsequently monitor the achievement of the distributed for review and revision to all objectives of the International Agenda delegates participating in the 2nd for Botanic Gardens in Conservation World Botanic Gardens Congress and and to outline the explicit contribution were also considered during a series of of botanic gardens worldwide towards discussions workshops held during the

04 BGCI • 2004 • BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 4-6 congress. The need for such targets conservation, aspects of sustainable The targets identified in the was endorsed by the Congress. It was use, capacity building and benefit- International Agenda were not finalised agreed that following a period of sharing are also included. The in 2000 prior to its publication through consultation amongst the botanic Strategy provides an innovative the inclusion of quantifiable garden community, and when framework for actions at global, achievements within a specified consensus had been reached, these regional, national and local levels. timeframe. As proposed in the targets would be adopted as a protocol A global dimension is important International Agenda, BGCI has to the International Agenda for Botanic because it can facilitate the therefore undertaken to assist in the Gardens in Conservation. development of a consensus of key development of a series of objectives, targets and actions and internationally applicable, widely It is stressed that the proposed targets enhance collaboration and synergy at agreed, realistic and measurable relate to the cumulative contributions all levels. The Strategy is backed by a targets. of the international botanic garden wide range of organisations and community towards plant conservation. institutions – governments, It is suggested that the development Regional and national network intergovernmental organizations, and adoption of measurable targets for organizations and individual botanic conservation and research the International Agenda for Botanic gardens are invited to develop organizations (such as protected-area Gardens in Conservation provides a appropriate targets according to management boards, botanic gardens, valuable tool to enhance the regional, national, local needs and and gene banks), universities, research achievement of the objectives of the institutional priorities and capacities. institutes, non-governmental International Agenda. Such targets It is recognized that in some regions organizations and their networks, and could provide useful reference points substantial new resources and capacity the private sector. for monitoring progress and for rallying will be required if botanic gardens are public opinion behind issues of priority to be able to achieve the ambitious A really new element of the Strategy is concern. targets proposed. It is also recognized the inclusion of 16 outcome-orientated and acknowledged that in some targets, aimed at achieving a series of The adoption of targets at the global countries and regions targets will be measurable goals by 2010. This is the level by botanic gardens may also adopted which are either lesser or first time that the Convention has support or be used to stimulate the greater than those being proposed for adopted such targets and the success development of related targets for the global level. of this approach will be watched with botanic garden actions in biodiversity interest as a potential model for other conservation at all levels, helping to Botanic gardens are urged to aspects of the work of the Convention. address different priorities in implement targets wherever possible The Strategy acknowledges that the biodiversity conservation throughout and appropriate through relevant International Agenda for Botanic the world. Targets can also assist in partnerships and collaborations. In Gardens in Conservation is of particular the identification of gaps in work implementing the proposed targets, the relevance to the achievement of the currently being undertaken. group proposed that botanic gardens GSPC as an existing on-going initiative. Consensus on the development of worldwide should seek to ensure that shared global targets and work for their their activities in conservation are Targets in the International achievement can also be expected to closely linked with activities undertaken Agenda for Botanic Gardens in enhance synergies and result in added in support of National Biodiversity Conservation value from the actions undertaken by a Strategies and Action plans and GSPC broad range of players. initiatives developed at national levels. The development of targets for botanic gardens is acknowledged as an Peter Wyse Jackson The Global Strategy for Plant important priority in the text of the Secretary General Conservation International Agenda. It is notable that Botanic Gardens Conservation the International Agenda was International The Global Strategy for Plant developed and adopted by the botanic Descanso House, 199 Kew Road Conservation was itself adopted at the garden community in 2000 before the Richmond, Surrey TW9 3BW, U.K. Sixth Meeting of the Conference of the issue of developing specific targets in Tel: +44 (0) 20 8332 5953 Parties to the Convention on Biological plant conservation had been widely Fax: +44 (0) 20 8332 5956 Diversity which was held in The Hague considered and incorporated into what E-mail: Peter.WyseJackson@ in April, 2002 (Decision VI/9). While the was then only a proposal for a global bgci.org entry point for the Strategy is plant plant conservation strategy. Internet: http://www.bgci.org

*Within the context of the International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation and these proposed international targets for 2010, when the term “botanic garden” is used it should be interpreted to include arboreta and other specialised forms of plant collection, as well as their institutional resources and staff. The definition of botanic gardens applied to these targets is as given in the International Agenda: ‘Botanic gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education’ (Wyse Jackson, 1999). **International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation. Wyse Jackson, P.S. and Sutherland, L.A. (2000). Botanic Gardens Conservation International, London, U.K. ISBN 0 9520275 9 3. Copies can be obtained from the Publications Department, BGCI, Descanso House, 199 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3BW, U.K. Fax: +44 (0) 20 8332 5956, E-mail: [email protected]. Language versions available include Chinese, English, French, German, Latvian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. ***CBD (2003) Global Strategy for Plant Conservation Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Further information: www.biodiv.org or www.bgci.org/conservation/strategy.html

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 05 THE DRAFT 2010 TARGETS 7) Botanic gardens in every country support, (d) Promoting education and awareness about promote and contribute to the integrated plant diversity: FOR BOTANIC GARDENS conservation and management of threatened species and populations in situ, working with (xiv) The importance of plant diversity and the need for protected area managers and communities at its conservation incorporated into communication, The following targets were proposed local, regional and national levels; educational and public -awareness programmes; for further consideration and (viii) 60 per cent of threatened plant species in 17) The importance of plants and their refinement during the 2nd World accessible ex situ collections, preferably in the country conservation promoted by botanic gardens to at Botanic Gardens Congress. The GSPC of origin, and 10 per cent of them included in recovery least one billion people worldwide; and restoration programmes; target to which each 2010 target most 18) Every botanic garden education programme closely relates is provided below (in 8) 50 per cent of threatened plants included in emphasises the importance of plant diversity and accessible botanic garden ex situ conservation ecosystem services in [sustainable development] italics) for easy reference. collections, including cultivated and genebank /[supporting life]; material, preferably in the country of origin;

(a) Understanding and documenting plant Sub-target: 75 per cent of critically endangered species The following alternative formulations for targets diversity: (CR) included in ex situ conservation collections by in relation to education and awareness were 2010, preferably in the country of origin; proposed at a workshop held during the 2nd (i) A widely accessible working list of known plant World Botanic Gardens Congress in Barcelona, species, as a step towards a complete world flora; 9) Botanic gardens support and participate in April 2004. Views and suggestions in relation to recovery and restoration programmes for 5 per these alternative formulations are also invited: 1) The herbaria of botanic gardens and their cent of the world’s threatened plant species; living collections contribute to and support the 17) Every botanic garden to have an education development of a working list of known plant (ix) 70 per cent of the genetic diversity of crops and programme to promote Target 14 of the GSPC species, by developing local, national and other major socio-economically valuable plant species including the adoption of outcome-orientated regional checklists, floras and monographs as conserved, and associated indigenous and local [SMART] measurable targets. appropriate; knowledge maintained; 18) All staff in botanic gardens to receive training in (ii) A preliminary assessment of the conservation status 10) Botanic gardens in every country support, communication, education and public awareness. of all known plant species, at national, regional and promote and contribute to the integrated international levels; conservation and management of medicinal plants, wild relatives of crops and other major 2) Botanic gardens contribute to, support, socio-economically valuable plants, and undertake and review national, regional and maintenance of associated indigenous and local (e) Building capacity for the conservation of plant international threatened plant assessments to knowledge; diversity: ensure that a preliminary evaluation is available in every country; (x) Management plans in place for at least 100 major (xv) The number of trained people working with alien species that threaten plants, plant communities appropriate facilities in plant conservation increased, (iii) Development of models with protocols for plant and associated habitats and ecosystems; according to national needs, to achieve the targets of conservation and sustainable use, based on research this Strategy; and practical experience; 11) All botanic gardens carry out invasive species risk assessments of their collections and 19) Appropriate resources and facilities 3) Botanic gardens develop and disseminate management practices; developed to enable botanic gardens in every models, protocols and case studies for priority country of the world to achieve the targets of the plants, their ecosystems and cultural landscapes, 12) Botanic gardens contribute to best practice International Agenda and the GSPC; within their area of expertise and interest, as for control programmes for at least 100 major relevant to achieve the targets of the invasive species that threaten plants, plant Sub-target: Double the number of trained botanic International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in communities and associated habitats and garden staff working in conservation, research and Conservation; ecosystems; education;

Sub-target: Botanic gardens develop, adopt and Sub-target: Botanic gardens develop programmes to implement best practice in the implementation of the (c) Using plant diversity sustainably: deliver training and capacity building in plant policies and guidelines of the Convention on Biological conservation; Diversity and relevant national laws and regulations in (xi) No species of wild flora endangered by international relation to access and benefit sharing; trade; (xvi) Networks for plant conservation activities established or strengthened at national, regional and 13) Botanic gardens in each country participate international levels; (b) Conserving plant diversity: in the national and international implementation of CITES, through research, education and 20) Botanic gardens and their networks (iv) At least 10 per cent of each of the world’s ecological awareness, development of good practices, strengthened to achieve the targets of the regions effectively conserved; training and plant rescue; International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation and the Global Strategy for Plant 4) Botanic gardens support and contribute to 14) Botanic gardens promote sustainable Conservation; national, regional and international conservation practices in international trade of wild flora policies, planning and management of ecological through research, training, education and Sub-target: At least 750 botanic gardens participate in regions, through documentation, research and awareness; the implementation of the International Agenda for advocacy; Botanic Gardens in Conservation; (xii) 30 per cent of plant-based products derived from (v) Protection of 50 per cent of the most important sources that are sustainably managed; Sub-target: All botanic garden networks participate in areas for plant diversity assured; the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation; 15) All botanic gardens develop and implement a 5) Botanic gardens support and contribute to policy to use plant-based products derived only Sub-target: All botanic gardens participate in relevant the identification and conservation of the most from sustainable sources and promote national, regional and international conservation important areas for plant diversity and the awareness of the need for sustainable use of networks and partnerships. development of policies, planning and plant resources; management through documentation, research and advocacy; (xiii) The decline of plant resources, and associated indigenous and local knowledge, innovations and (vi) At least 30 per cent of production lands managed practices that support sustainable livelihoods, local food consistent with the conservation of plant diversity; security and health care, halted;

6) Botanic gardens contribute to the 16) Botanic gardens contribute to local, national, development and application of protocols and regional and international programmes that seek practices that support and promote the to reverse the decline of plant resources and sustainable management and conservation of associated indigenous and local knowledge, plant diversity in production lands; innovations and practices, through their research, education and conservation activities; (vii) 60 per cent of the world’s threatened species conserved in situ;

06 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) Author: Etelka Leadlay

Report of the 2nd World Botanic Gardens Congress, Barcelona, Spain

venue for a Congress and the Education and raising awareness was Left: Peter Wyse Barcelona Botanic Garden highlights recognised as a key area to ensure the Jackson giving the important role that botanic gardens conservation of biodiversity for the a plenary play in plant conservation and future – and in this regard, botanic address environmental education in the local gardens have a pivotal role to play. The community and beyond. launch of BGCI’s Plants for Life Campaign was an appropriate, timely There were 13 plenary addresses and amusing response to the call for presented which provided valuable greater efforts in public awareness (see insights on the importance of website www.plantsforlife.net). biodiversity and how to conserve it, 47 symposia, round-table discussions and Network meetings were held on workshops, over 80 posters and Saturday 17th April at the Botanic informal lunch-time workshops and Institute of Barcelona and were very debates around the Congress themes. successful. Regional meetings of staff The conclusions from each theme are from gardens in Latin American, Asia included in this article (see Box) and North America were held. There was an all day meeting of the The Congress reviewed the Association of Ibero-Macaronesian Below: implementation of the International Botanic Gardens, a joint PlantNet View of Agenda for Botanic Gardens in (Plant Collections Network of Britain Barcelona The 2nd World Botanic Gardens Conservation and developed targets to and Ireland) and NVBT (Dutch Botanic Garden Congress (2WBGC), held in Barcelona, support Global Strategy for Plant Spain from the April 17 - 22, 2004, built Conservation (GSPC). The on the success of the 1st World consultation paper on International Botanic Gardens Congress in Asheville Agenda targets is included in this in 2000. The theme for the Congress, issue of BGjournal. Botanic Gardens - A World of Resources and Heritage for Humankind The Spanish section of the Association provided a stimulating, comprehensive of Ibero-Macaronesian Botanic and extensive programme. This Gardens (Asociación Ibero- Congress provided a forum for about Macaronésica de Jardines Botánicos) 500 delegates from botanic gardens in produced a document, Botanic 62 countries to consider matters of Gardens - An increasing value mutual importance and concern for (Jardines Botanicos - Un valor en alza), global plant conservation. released at the Congress, to highlight the role of botanic gardens and BGCI is extremely grateful to the proposed the adoption of an Botanic Garden and the Botanic International Day for Botanic Gardens Institute of Barcelona for hosting the through UNESCO. Delegates Congress. Barcelona is a wonderful welcomed this proposal.

BGCI • 2004 • BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 7-14 07 and informative daily newsletter, Barcelona, the Botanic Institute of Botànico, which will provide a happy Barcelona, the Institute of Culture reminder of the time we spent in (Barcelona City Council), the Barcelona. Commonwealth of Municipalities of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, the The Friends of the Barcelona Botanic Spanish Council for Scientific Research, Garden (Amics del Jardí Botànic) were Ministry of Science and Technology very helpful to the delegates during the (CSIC) and Botanic Gardens Congress and on the last day Conservation International (BGCI). presented each delegate with a rose and a bookmark to celebrate St We are extremely grateful to the George’s Day (April 23rd). Institute of Culture (Barcelona City Council), the Commonwealth of BGCI would like to thank the staff of Municipalities of the Metropolitan Area our partner organizations particularly of Barcelona and the Spanish Council Above: Association of Botanic Gardens Núria Membrives, Director of the for Scientific Research, Ministry of Members of the Nederlandse Vereniging van Botanische Barcelona Botanic Garden and her staff Science and Technology (CSIC) for Spanish Section Tuinen) meeting to discuss mutual and volunteers, Josep Maria providing support for the Congress. of the concerns and a meeting of the French Montserrat, Director of the Botanic Association of and French-speaking network of Institute and his staff especially Alfonso We are very grateful to the Ibero- Botanic Gardens (Jardins Botaniques Susanna and the members of the local organizations which have sponsored Macaronesian de France et des pays Francophones). organizing and Scientific Committee, Congress themes: Botanic Gardens Esteban Hernández-Bermejo, Joan “Policies” and “Conservation” were Two useful training workshops were Pedrola-Monfort and David Bramwell sponsored by the HSBC Investing in held on Sunday 18th April, 2004, The and Núria Fradera, Representative of Nature Programme, “Ecosystem CBD in practice – ideas and examples the Barcelona City Council. conservation” by British Airways, of implementation in botanic gardens “Sustainability” by the Mitsubishi Fund organized by China Williams and Kate BGCI is extremely grateful to María José for Europe and Africa and “Horticulture Davis of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Gallego of Manners Congressos and all and development” by the Technical Kew, U.K. and Developing your on-line her staff especially Anna Benito for Centre for Agricultural and Rural botanic garden website by Jamie providing an efficient and flexible Cooperation (CTA). O’Connell (BGCI). Technical Secretariat by coordinating the venues, the Congress materials, the We would also like to thank the Caves The inaugural meeting of BGCI’s tours and social events, and all the Mont-Ferrant of Blanes, the Latham International Advisory Council was also support personnel, interpreters, hosts Expedition Fund of the Fairchild held on Tuesday 20th April at the and hostesses, technicians and caterers Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, Botanic Institute. and registering all the delegates. U.S.A., The Botanical Research Foundation of Idaho, The Bressler The Congress was held in the Annex of BGCI is also very grateful for the Foundation (USA), the Durban Botanic the Palau Sant Jordi, part of the participation of all the network Gardens Trust, SABONET, the complex built for the Olympic Games organizations and would like to thank Botanical Society of South Africa and in 1992 and the new Botanic Institute the plenary speakers, the moderators the National Botanical Institute, South which has the most wonderful views and both the oral and poster Africa for other support given. over Barcelona. The weather was fine presenters. and delegates were able to enjoy the Etelka Leadlay view while eating their lunch. The Finally, we are very grateful to all the Botanic Gardens Conservation Barcelona City Council gave a beautiful delegates who participated so fully in International reception in the Barcelona City Hall the meeting, presenting talks and Descanso House, 199 Kew Road and the Congress Dinner was held in workshops, and posters and Richmond, Surrey TW9 3BW, U.K. the Palace de Pedralbes. moderating session and helping in so Tel: +44 (0) 20 8332 5951 many ways to ensure that the Congress Fax: +44 (0) 20 8332 5956 There was an enjoyable pre-Congress achieved its aims and provided a E-mail: [email protected] tour to the Ebro Delta and Tortosa lasting legacy for the botanic garden Internet: http://www.bgci.org –Beseit Passes and a wonderful community through the network links Theme A: Implementing plant afternoon during the Congress was fostered around the world. spent either in the Garraf Nature Park or the Marimurtra Botanic Garden in Hosts, donors and sponsors Right: Blanes. The lunch break The Congress was hosted by the outside the BGCI staff Suzanne Sharrock, Douglas Botanic Garden of Barcelona and the Botanic Institute Gibbs and Sarah Kneebone, led by Botanic Institute of Barcelona and Jamie O’Connell, produced an amusing organised by the Botanic Garden of

08 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) Conclusions of symposia, workshop and discussion round table meetings held at the 2nd World Botanic Gardens Congress, 2004

Left: 1 Mid-Congress Theme A: Implementing tour to It was also recommended: plant conservation policies Marimurtra through botanic gardens • That a lay persons’ guide on the Convention on Botanic Garden, Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Global Blanes Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) is 1.1 National experiences on the Global produced or one adapted for educators and staff Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) in botanic gardens to use with the public and • The workshop noted that the proposed targets Coordinator: Peter Wyse Jackson policy makers. This guide should be translated would relate to the international botanic garden into different languages. community. However regional and national • This symposium reviewed early experiences at • That a manual of best practice of relevant and network organizations and individual botanic national level in the implementation of the Global effective education activities is developed and gardens would be invited to develop appropriate Strategy for Plant Conservation, specifically made available to botanic gardens. targets according to regional, national, local addressing the particular roles, responsibilities • That a mentoring system of educators is needs and institutional priorities and capacities. and initiatives being undertaken by botanic established for botanic gardens to support • The workshop concluded that botanic gardens gardens in relation to the GSPC in several training and development of education should implement targets wherever possible and regions. programmes. appropriate through relevant partnerships and • That the consultation process to deliver Target 14 collaborations. The conclusions were that: considers how to ensure that the GSPC targets • In implementing the proposed targets, the are full integrated in the broader context of Article workshop agreed that botanic gardens worldwide • Significant progress in GSPC implementation can 13 of the CBD and CBD work programmes. should seek to ensure that their activities in be reported in many parts of the world and that conservation are closely linked with activities botanic gardens are often central to these 1.4 Developing and implementing Action Plans undertaken in support of National Biodiversity developments. and Strategies in support of the International Strategies and Action plans and GSPC initiatives • There is a clear need for specific organisations Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation developed at national levels. and institutions in each country to support and/or Coordinators: Mark Richardson and David Galbraith • The workshop participants reviewed the 20 act as drivers or facilitators for the proposed targets and suggested that further Below: implementation of GSPC targets at national • As well as the efforts that are being made by consultations be undertaken amongst the botanic levels. individual gardens, numerous networks around garden community worldwide to ensure View of widespread consensus on each before they are • The importance of incorporating GSPC the work are effectively developing action plans Barcelona objectives, including relevant targets and for the conservation of regional floras. formally adopted as a protocol to the indicators into National Biodiversity Strategies • Action plans not only assist in the implementation International Agenda. Botanic Garden and Action Plans (NBSAPs) was emphasised. of conservation projects but also provides a • The opportunities for botanic gardens to support guide for the directors of the botanic gardens for the establishment of national GSPC focal points the development of future policy. in each country was noted, or in some cases to • The Investing in Nature programme in India will act as such national focal points themselves in provide both support for the development of the support of the relevant national authority. Indian Action Plan as well as the models that will be of assistance to botanic gardens carrying out 1.2 Implementing Target 8 of the Global the Plan in that country. Strategy for Plant Conservation • With the development of the International Agenda Coordinators: Peter Wyse Jackson, Douglas Gibbs for Botanic Gardens in Conservation and the and Ehsan Dulloo GSPC, existing botanic garden action plans should now be reviewed in the light of these • The report of the International Stakeholder initiatives. Consultation of Target 8 of the GSPC was • Of the 400 rare species of plants in Russia, 50% reviewed and discussed. are now represented in Russian botanic gardens, • The findings and conclusions of the report were which are incorporating in situ conservation into supported by the workshop and it was their programmes as well as the more traditional acknowledged that botanic gardens have a ex situ conservation measures. fundamental role and responsibility to assist in Target 8 implementation, including measures in 1.5 Developing targets for the International ex situ conservation and to promote the recovery Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation and restoration of threatened plants in situ. Coordinators: Peter Wyse Jackson and Suzanne • Efforts being made by BGCI and other Sharrock organisations to monitor the achievement of Target 8 through the establishment of an on-line • This workshop reviewed the proposals of a BGCI plant search meachanism for plants maintained in ad hoc international group which met at the ex situ collections were noted and welcomed. Botanic Institute of Barcelona on 16th April 2004 to consider the need for targets for botanic 1.3 Implementing the GSPC through education gardens to monitor the achievement of the in botanic Gardens objectives of the International Agenda for Botanic Coordinator: Julia Willison Gardens in Conservation and to outline the explicit contribution of botanic gardens This workshop reviewed the draft 2010 targets for worldwide towards the achievement of the Global botanic gardens proposed for the International Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation. The recommendations were that botanic garden targets • The workshop participants agreed with the relating to education, communication and awareness conclusions of the international group that such should be as follows: targets are urgently needed and that they should relate to the objectives of the GSPC. • Every botanic garden to have an education • 2010 was agreed as the date by which the programme to promote Target 14 of the GSPC botanic gardens community would aim to including the adoption of SMART measurable achieve the targets, harmonizing their targets. implementation with the targets of the GSPC, • All staff in botanic gardens to receive training in adopted by the Convention on Biological communication, education and public awareness. Diversity in 2002.

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 09 2 Theme B: The practice of institutions in North Africa and the Middle East, 2.5 Implementing ex situ programmes and plant conservation through where the number of botanic gardens is low. The projects in botanic gardens - Conservation in botanic gardens region with the largest number of registered botanic gardens botanic gardens is in Europe. Coordinator: George Owusu Afriyie • The International Agenda is being used to help 2.1 Implementing ex situ programmes and guide the development of a national action plan • An integrated approach to plant conservation is projects in botanic gardens - Conservation in for botanic gardens in India and to guide the essential to include biogeographical studies, in botanic gardens activities of the botanic garden network in situ research, population monitoring, molecular Coordinators: Núria Membrives and Maite Lascurain Indonesia. methods to the use of mycorrhizal agents and • At the regional level, the International Agenda has the inocula of wild site fungi for translocation of • Key points for the development of programmes been used as a key resource in the development orchids to wild sites. and projects noted during the symposium were: of the African Botanic Gardens Network strategy • Quantifiable performance indicators of the and is helping to guide the development of success of plant diversity conservation are • Strong cultivation experience is one of the most activities in individual gardens in Africa. necessary for evaluation of the programmes and important factors for successful ex situ • The partnership that has developed between implementation of the GSPC. These include conservation. Cleveland Botanic Garden in the USA and the resources conserved, implementation of • Countries with less experience in implementing Lankester Botanic Garden in Costa Rica provides improved management, better laws and policies, ex situ programmes are aware of this necessity an interesting example of the type of international changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours and are hoping to develop appropriate training collaboration outlined in the International Agenda. of stakeholders, and reduction of threats to opportunities and also to encourage exchanges biodiversity. with other countries. 2.4 Implementing the International Agenda for • The development of protocols is an important • It is important to encourage and support botanic Botanic Gardens in Conservation at the aspect of the collection, propagation and ex situ gardens to cultivate plants. The design of ex situ individual botanic garden level storage of threatened plants as shown by the use conservation projects has to be such that it is Coordinator: Suzanne Sharrock of micropropagation for the conservation of appropriate to the plants being conserved. threatened bryophytes. • Botanic gardens can make important • Six papers were presented during this session contributions to public awareness of and action which focused on the use and implementation of 2.6 Models, protocols, practices, practical related to conservation by communicating about the International Agenda by individual botanic experience: do we have a full tool kit for their conservation efforts and research. gardens. Some of the key points that came out of botanic garden plant conservation? the presentations were: Coordinator: Stella Simiyu 2.2 Frontiers for Botanic Garden Seed Genebanks • The Royal Botanic Garden, Hamilton, Canada • Threat assessment is a key priority and botanic Coordinators: Esteban Hernández Bermejo and Clare has used the International Agenda as a basis for gardens can contribute to this process at national Tenner reviewing its activities. In order to do this an level. In order to enhance the red listing Excel spreadsheet has been developed which processing, herbaria and taxonomic staff should • A number of networks of seedbanks have already allows gardens to assess their present, and routinely include threat assessments in their been formed and are allowing seedbanks to potential future participation in the 211 activities publications and this should be mandatory for cooperate. Such networks should work together outlined in the International Agenda. The publication of new taxa and taxonomic revisions, to ensure maximum efficiency in meeting Target 8 spreadsheet is available for use by other gardens monographs etc. of the GSPC. and can be obtained from BGCI. • Further refinement of IPA guidelines especially in • Several of the presentations looked at ways to • The International Agenda was used as the basis for countries with high plant diversity needs to be improve the quality of collections, and their use developing a native plant conservation programme undertaken to enable the botanic garden for restoration, such as an ecogeographical at the Meadowlark Botanical Garden in the USA. community to utilize them across the board. survey approach to seed collections, passport The garden also finds the International Agenda a • Capacity building in the use of these tools is data, research into seed storage behaviour useful public awareness and educational tool and it critical especially in developing countries and including finding biochemical markers of the provides a useful link to conservation programmes there is need for the botanic gardens to behaviour. at the international level. strengthen partnerships and share resources in • The Latvian National Botanic Garden and the order to achieve this. 2.3 Implementing the International Agenda for Conservatoire et Jardins Botaniques de Nancy in • Whilst we have a good indication of tools for Botanic Gardens in Conservation at France are using the International Agenda, targets 2 and 5, there are major gaps for other international and national levels together with the Action Plan for Botanic targets especially the in situ targets. There is Coordinator: Suzanne Sharrock Gardens in the European Union as guides in the need for botanic gardens to identify the key development of action plans for their gardens. priorities in their regions and develop means and • Good progress is being made in the • The International Agenda provided the basis for ways to articulate GSPC target 3. This is best implementation of the International Agenda, with the re-orientation of the goals and objectives of achieved through a network environment. the number of botanic gardens and network the botanic garden in Geelong, Australia. This • Botanic gardens should aim to develop organizations that have registered their garden has undertaken a massive change over partnerships with the in situ conservation participation currently standing at 243. Botanic the last four years and now addresses many of community in order to effectively contribute to gardens in countries covering all regions of the the key issues and challenges outlined in the the achievement of the GSPC targets, thus world have registered, with the exception of International Agenda. development of the necessary toolkits should be undertaken in this context.

Right: Congress delegates to the ZWBGC

Far Right: The Field trip: View of Marimurtra Botanic Garden

10 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 3 Theme C: Botanic gardens • They noted that this important document and the and ecosystem conservation Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) have been translated into the Russian language and distributed among all botanical gardens, 3.1 Designation, development and educational and conservancy institutions in management of protected areas: the role for Russian Federation. Based on those international botanic gardens documents the Strategy of Botanical Gardens of Coordinators: Ole Hamann and Bert van den Russia in Conservation of Biodiversity was Wollenberg developed and subsequently adopted during a session of the Council of Russian Botanic • Botanic gardens are involved in habitat Gardens. conservation in many ways, but botanic gardens approach it differently from other nature • Taking into account the conclusions of the conservation organisations: congress it was recommended to the Council of Botanical Gardens of Russia the following: • they can and frequently do work through partnerships, local communities, etc. • To develop an action plan for plant conservation • their research, education, information, etc. are in botanical gardens up to 2010 and approve it also a vehicle for local involvement. on the nearest session of the Council of • they potentially possess a powerful awareness Botanical Gardens of Russia; and educational role. • To assist in wide use of the International Agenda • they can be and sometimes are involved in local by Botanical Gardens of Russia for development habitat conservation. of the local and regional programmes. • they are ideally positioned to help integrate in situ • To promote the registration of botanic gardens and ex situ conservation. participating in the implementation of the International Agenda. • Nature reserves do not imply that the species in • To prepare and publish the next issue of the them are automatically protected; species newsletter of the Council of Botanical Gardens of conservation orientated actions such as through Russia and Russian office of BGCI to include micro-reserves must complement the habitat summaries of most presentations from the 2nd conservation effort. World Botanic Gardens Congress. • Through partnerships, two-way capacity building • To conduct the special session of Council of can be undertaken. Botanical Gardens of Russia to summarize the • Political awareness in ecosystem conservation is results of the activity of botanical gardens in the of key importance. implementation of the International and National • Botanic gardens are usually permanent Agenda in plant conservation and adopt the institutions and therefore can provide stable long- action plant on plant conservation up to 2010. term partners where other parties may come and go. 3.4 Managing invasive aliens • Important remark: protected areas are sometimes Coordinators: Alvaro Bueno and Brian Huntley perceived as limiting the local people, whereas in botanic gardens local people can participate in • Six presentations indicated the seriousness with conservation. which the botanic garden community is taking its responsibilities regarding the problem of alien 3.2 Botanical and zoological linkages invasive species. Coordinator: Mark Richardson • The international community is making efforts to address the programme of Target 10 of the • The amalgamation of botanic garden and GSPC, with support of the Convention on zoological displays which are based on Biological Diversity, via the Global Invasive ecological principles are a logical progression to Species Programme. effective natural history displays. • The effective and interesting interpretation of 3.5 Building and sustaining national networks plants in zoos is vital with plant talks being of botanic gardens in Latin America: particularly well received. networking the networks • Determining your targets is vital if you are going Coordinator: Alberto Gómez Mejía to measure environmental achievements. • To help with the understanding needed to provide • Desde mi punto de vista, los puntos más the correct plantings for zoos, links between zoos sobresalientes de las exposiciones en el panel and the botanic gardens in the countries relevant “Building and sustaining national networks of to the animal displays can be extremely valuable. botanic gardens in Latin America: networking the • There is need to encourage common work and networks” serían: activities between zoological and botanical staff to achieve good links. • Es fundamental contar con las redes de jardines Above Top: • The botanical/horticultural work being done in como mecanismo de intercambio de • Botanic Garden networks are a fundamental zoos is expanding to include in situ conservation experiencias, de transferencia de tecnologías, de mechanism for the exchange of experiences, View of work – which is beginning to complement the in capacitación recíproca y de instrumento político. transfer of technology, mutual training and to Barcelona situ work done with animals. • Es necesaria la cooperación internacional para exert political influence. • The work that the botanical/horticultural sections preservar la flora nativa que se encuentra en • International cooperation is essential to preserve Botanic Garden of many zoos are doing shows that they are peligro de extinción en el Neotrópico. the threatened native flora in the Neotropics. already contributing to the goals of the GSPC • Es muy meritoria y plausible la labor que BGCI • The important work of BGCI in Latin American and the registration of zoos for the International ha realizado en los países latinoamericanos y del and Caribbean countries was acknowledged and Above Middle: Agenda should be encouraged. Caribe. welcomed. Participants of • Es urgente fortalecer los jardines incipientes en • It is urgent to strengthen the new botanic 3.3 Building and sustaining a national network aquellos países que no tienen una infraestructura gardens in those countries where there is not an the joint of botanic gardens in Russia adecuada para conservar su diversidad biológica adequate infrastructure to conserve biological PlantNet and Coordinators: Igor A. Smirnov and Lev Andreev y ecológica. and ecological diversity. • La Red Latinomericana y del Caribe de Jardines • The Latin American and the Caribbean Network NVBT meeting • This session included representatives of Russian Botánicos (ALCJB) debe convertirse en una red should become a Network of Networks. It would Botanic Gardens. The participants noted that de redes. be worth consider the inclusion of the Above: botanic gardens and arboreta in Russia, whose • Valdría la pena reconsiderar la incipiente organization of the Caribbean Islands Botanic activities are consolidated by Council of Russian organización de Caribbean Islands Botanic Gardens (the Caribbean Botanic Gardens for Participants of Botanic Gardens and Russian office of BGCI, Gardens porque implicaría una duplicación de Conservation (CBGC) network) to avoid the North have made great progress toward the esfuerzos frente a la ALCJB. duplication with the efforts of the ALCJB. implementation of International Agenda for American Botanic Gardens in Conservation. Meeting

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 11 4 Theme D: Environmental 5 education, the sustainable Theme E: Sustainability: • Botanic gardens need a publicity campaign to use of plant resources and the develop a culture of understanding about the the contribution of biodiversity awareness of plant diversity garden among potential and existing visitors and to sustainable living make further surveys with larger sample size. • All garden staff can have education as part of 4.1 Interactive multimedia - using new their job description and give talks to public 5.1 Environmental sustainability: addressing technology for education (including children). local issues for conservation and education Coordinator: Tina Roig Coordinator: [to be added] 4.4 Presenting Plants through outreach • Putting education resources on-line is a good exhibits • There is a growing urgency to achieve idea as you can reach a huge potential audience, Coordinator: Laurel McIvor sustainability of natural plants for use by local of different demographical make-up to regular people for food, fuel and medicinal uses. botanic garden visitors and it enables you to • Capacity building in environmental education is • Education programmes provide a key method for share knowledge and ideas with the international important for developing focussed and effective providing local urban populations with the botanic garden community. exhibits. necessary skills and knowledge for conservation • Education programmes can be used to address • High quality, effective exhibits require significant of indigenous plants in developing countries. inclusion issues and make contacts between financial investment, should “provoke, relate and • Several excellent model programmes have been children of different nationalities and cultures reveal”; designers and marketing companies are developed to achieve a new awareness of the based around the European town ‘twinning’ worth their cost; use strong images and test your needs of the local populations to help attain scheme. product. sustainability of their local plant resources e.g., • Story anthologies can be a useful resource for • Being imaginative, brave, and tenacious with the Ghana, South Africa and Argentina. education programmes and their use on the media will help to attract new audiences. • Successful programme development for plant internet can expand their use by other • Latch on to a media story that captures public sustainability requires development of institutions. interest and take it one step further to programmes relevant to the needs of the local • Art shows can attract significant numbers of communicate your message. community. visitors and media attention to gardens which • Establish partnerships that contribute • Formalized agreements with local authorities and may suffer from being overlooked by the local complementary expertise and mutually benefit donors will help ensure successful conservation community. from the project; clearly define goals and each programmes. • Partnership projects can put a new spin on partners´ responsibilities. • There is an urgent need to establish appropriate garden interpretation and educational themes. • Acknowledge and include your sponsors models of propagation of medicinal plants to continually, endeavour to include them in every provide employment and support for local 4.2 Making plants relevant and accessible to media contact. populations and conserve plant stocks. the public Coordinators: JuanMa López and Paco Villamandos 4.5 Developing a Self-Funding Education 5.2 Designing and implementing sustainable Program botanic gardens and evaluating the ecological Recommendations: Coordinator: Janelle Hatherly footprint Coordinator: Janet Marinelli • Enfocar los programas de acuerdo con los • Regardless of location, size or age of botanic intereses y expectativas de la comunidad, gardens the issues, challenges and solutions are • Botanic gardens have a combination of resources incluyendo para ello a los diferentes agentes de the same when it comes to getting education and skill-sets found nowhere else that can be la comunidad. adequately resourced. tapped to develop new plant-based technologies • Incluir a los maestros como promotores de los • There is no such thing as a self-funding that help solve environmental problems and programas educativos de los JJBB. education program because effective learning encourage the transition to a bio-based • Recrear un ambiente educativo que incluya takes time and is about thinking and engaging in economy. técnicas y elementos diversos, de forma que meaningful dialogue. • Research projects at the Montreal Botanical puedan desarrollarse ambientes con un fuerte • High quality educational activities generally last a Garden, are already addressing these problems, Below: potencial educativo. few hours, are conducted in small groups and if such as the use of plant species to • El educador debe asumir el papel de moderador we are serious about catering for the whole decontaminate brownfield sites in urban areas, Delegates from y de transmisor de los conocimientos community, they are also inexpensive. Our and the construction of living walls made of Wuhan and adecuándolos convenientemente a los diferentes challenge is to work out ‘creative’ ways to get willow stems to reduce noise along roadways. more money or more people to run education Beijing niveles. • Botanic gardens can be models of sustainable programs. ecological landscape design and maintenance for Botanical • Focus programmes according to the interests their communities. Ways to access additional resources for botanic Gardens, China and expectations of the community, taking into • The Jardi Botànic de Barcelona was designed to account the various actors in the community. garden education programmes: be such a model of ecologically appropriate (l. to r. • Include teachers as promoters of the education landscape design and maintenance for a More dollars - Hongwen programmes of botanic gardens. Mediterranean climate. • Re-create an education environment that • Raise the profile of education within our Huang, Gong includes diverse techniques and elements, in organisations by relating it to the organisational 5.3 Botanic Gardens: what is their role in mission and by doing loads of evaluation and Jinjie, order to develop an environment with a strong tourism? educative potential. keeping sound statistics. ´Dollars for education Coordinators: David Bramwell and Antoni Aguilella Zhongping • Educators must assume the role of moderators are an investment rather than a subsidy.´ • Convince senior management that to allocate Cheng, and assist in the transmission of knowledge, • Botanic gardens have great tourist potential, and adapting it to the different levels. appropriate core funding to education units and if they are developed in a planned and Houquan Jiang, keep any funds generated from education coordinated way, could contribute to expanding Shiwei Zhao 4.3 Engaging new audiences activities to subsidise those programs that incur and diversifying local tourism and the Coordinators: Sue Minter and Alexandra Escudeiro high costs but achieve effective educational sustainability of the gardens themselves and the (Beijing outcomes. surrounding areas. Botanical • It is important to survey who the public are (their • Education staff should become familiar with what • Tourism in botanic gardens can generate profits profile) and what they want. opportunities for funding are ‘out there’ and for both the gardens and the local communities. Garden), • Botanic gardens should address audiences become skilled at writing grant proposals. A • The main priority should be promoting botanic Hongtao Liu, specifically e.g., ‘new audiences’, children, and golden rule to operate by is: ‘at any given time gardens in the fields of cultural and natural you should have a grant or funding proposal or Jinqing Wu) teenagers. tourism (including agro-tourism, rural tourism, submission in somewhere’. ecotourism and nature tourism). • A single recipe for all botanic gardens does not More people – exist. Each one has to explore its own potential • Create a learning culture - use other staff according to the needs and aspirations of the members to deliver programs occasionally, train local community. a pool of casual staff whose costs of face-to-face delivery is covered by fees for service. (The staff 5.4 Ecotourism - Is there a role for botanic of a botanic garden in Israel spend 10% of their gardens? time in education activities). Coordinators: Lucy A. Sutherland and Judy du Plooy • Use volunteers but be aware that they aren´t free but have the same needs and rights as paid staff. • The appropriateness of botanic gardens • Form partnerships with other organisations to involvement in ecotourism is dependent on develop socially relevant programs (e.g related to several factors including the status of local and health or employment) and share costs, national tourism, perception of the touristic resources and staff. opportunities held by the industry, and the 6 Theme F: Botanic garden botanic garden location, setting, mission and not yet valued and we should work to reverse this availability of resources. horticulture and development attitude. • Ecotourists can play an important financial role in • Useful lessons might be learnt from other organizations supporting the sustainability of botanic gardens, that have collections policies such as zoos and and contributing to local sustainable 6.1 Volunteers in conservation - using volunteers libraries. development and capacity building of to implement plant conservation • As collections take time, money and expertise to communities. Coordinator: Laurel McIvor amass, they should not be deaccessed at will, if at all. • Botanic gardens need to mainstream themselves Gardens should think very seriously about deaccessing into the regional economy, in areas such as • Volunteers support conservation research by increasing a collection before doing so and should always tourism, to ensure their financial sustainability. the research effort, providing financial contributions, consider other avenues for research or should gift the • There is a hierarchy of basic needs for botanic promoting conservation education (the participant and collection to another garden. gardens to ensure visitation and use: the ripple effect of them sharing their experience) and • Even though some people might want each plant in a increasing the project profile / media interest in the collection to be justified on the grounds of use and 0 garden site, lawns trees, water work. value, this was not possible or reasonable. Only a small 1 parking, toilets, tea rooms • Developing countries do not have a culture of percentage of library or museum collections are used 2 clean, safe as an attraction volunteerism and therefore need innovative ways to constantly but the collection is valuable because of its 3 colours, diversity, informative recruit volunteers: e.g., having university students wholeness or completeness and less frequently used 4 quality goods and services commit to a certain number of hours of work per week plants still have value. in exchange for training, work experience, and a small • Garden should put information on their collections on honorarium. the world wide web. This way it would be easier for 4 • Corporate secondments with clearly defined goals and researchers and others to find the plants they required responsibilities can offer valuable assistance with and it would also be easier for collection managers to specific skills (e.g., in information technology and assess their own collections in terms of duplication or 3 networking) and related staff training. omissions. • Volunteers from areas local to botanic gardens help • The value of horticultural taxonomy to the management 2 integrate the gardens with community culture, science, of collections was stressed. and education and help to engage youth for the future. • Cultivars were an important component of collections and there was no reason why they should not be 6.2 New botanic gardens – issues and challenges managed with the same degree of rigor as wild plant 1 Coordinator: Edelmira Linares collections. • The relationship between, and integration of, herbarium • A sound vision was noted for the new botanic gardens and living collections was stressed. 0 as well as those in the planning stage. The • The importance of good and accurate plant records presentations demonstrated that botanic gardens was stressed. develop master plans and missions in a professional and well-documented manner. 6.4 Conservation databases • Another notable fact was the regional focus on native Coordinators: Richard Piacentini and Diane Wyse 5.5 Financial sustainability of the garden: an plants of the Latin American botanic gardens and the Jackson African perspective diversification of those in Europe with both native and Coordinators: George Owusu-Afriyie, Chris Dalzell, exotic species of cultural importance. This session concentrated on current databases and Ndam Nouhou, Christopher Willis and Douglas • Most of the presentations emphasized the importance their future development within the botanic garden Gibbs of education at various levels as in botanic gardens setting. which included the general public to the technicians • Botanic gardens have the potential to use and professionals such as future agronomists. Major points outlined were: fundraising as an opportunity to evaluate their • The variation of the presentations included in the strategies and to develop and strengthen session demonstrated that the size of the botanic • Databases should never be seen as static, but need to partnerships. garden is secondary while its activities associated with be flexible to allow for future development of • There is a need for botanic gardens to evaluate education, public awareness building and, in particular, requirements – even if those requirements have not yet their own capacities, in terms of facilities, its ability to link itself with the surrounding community have been anticipated. personnel and operational procedures, in order to are more important; these goals can be accomplished • Databases are set up as a solution to a address maximise the efficiency of their work programme through educational programmes as well as by creating specific problems and applications, as seen in the within their local context. opportunities for visitors to experience contacts with examples presented to the meeting from India and the • There is a need for gardens to champion their nature in a delightful and invigorating manner. Netherlands. work and their role within their own local • The contributions drew attention to the need for • Multi-lingual international ‘Look Up’ tables that are communities, partners, countries and consultation and participation of specialists as well as readily accessible from a centralized location and internationally. knowledge of the work and objectives of the botanic downloaded into localized databases look to be a • Gardens have an opportunity to increase their garden as part of the process of planning and feature of future databases, so that users are all relevance and attraction to people, thus opening implementing the new botanic garden. These factors working from a common set of files and field attributes up the potential to raise funds from a wider range can help to ensure success and save time and effort in . of potential sources, for example enterprise the development of a modern, successful botanic • Web-based databases will be increasingly development, job creation and public health garden so that they can be major players in biodiversity commonplace – therefore custodianship of data and grant-making bodies as well as from increased conservation and generators of the knowledge in this security issues will have to be clearly addressed so visitor support. field. that controversy can be avoided at a later stage. • Botanic gardens can adapt and adopt business models, entrepreneurship and innovative 6.3 What should botanic gardens be growing? 6.5 New botanic gardens – issues and challenges management structures in order to increase their Coordinators: David Rae and Tim Upson Coordinator: James Cullen capacity to operate in competitive, changing and challenging socio-economic environments. • Collection policies should be wider than pure • The range and diversity of new botanic gardens in accessions or acquisitions policies and should development exemplified by the four gardens 5.6 Addressing local needs: evaluating therefore include information on topics such as described in this symposium – from urban to rural, individual botanic garden contributions to representation, labeling, standards of information, plant general to specific – is astonishing and hopeful for the economic development records and geographical representation. A policy future. All had drawn on professional advice, both Coordinator: Brian Huntley should also be regarded as flexible to allow for change. local and international, in their planning. • Audit and review are important components of a • New gardens are able to meet their missions in • The Eden Project has demonstrated how the Collections Policy as they allowed users and managers innovative ways as they not constrained by tradition, right leadership at the right place and the right to see how closely the garden was adhering to its infrastructure or older plantings. time can lead to success. The innovation of the policy. • The importance of providing educational and amenity Eden Project, the local need for social and • Setting a few targets to improve weak aspects of the services for children was stressed as a major objective economic regeneration and the availability of collection was useful - these could include, for by all four gardens. massive funding from the UK government, the EU example, targets to improve % verification, % wild • All stressed the importance of the physical environment and private sources, plus the existence of an origin or total accession numbers. in which they are being developed: soil condition, available tourist market, resulted in the instant • National policies that included several regional gardens aspect, pollution and the need for a guaranteed water success of the project, contributing to economic were an efficient mechanism to collect and maintain a supply were stressed. upliftment, communication of biodiversity large, but decentralized, collection. Criteria should be • All of the gardens stressed their commitment to the messages and a role model for the botanical set to maintain standards across the whole collection. conservation, both in situ and ex situ of their local flora. garden community. • The cultural or heritage value of gardens in terms of their design was now reasonably well accepted but the cultural or heritage value of the plants themselves was

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 13 7 8 Theme G: Botanic garden Theme H: Heritage • Botanic gardens should investigate areas of research applied research such as the use of plant products for construction, the use of plants for 8.1 Environmental reconciliation: a vision for the purification of harbour mud or the removal of botanic gardens 7.1 Use of molecular techniques in plant heavy metals in water from tropical mining. Coordinator: Steve Forbes conservation • Plants growing in both botanic gardens and in Coordinator: Alfonso Susanna the parks and gardens of metropolitan areas can • The historical and philosophical context of provide a useful resource for, and valuable insight botanic gardens and debated the proper role of • The future impact of molecular techniques in into, the biogeographical and ecomorphological botanic gardens in the twenty-first century. conservation cannot be evaluated yet, but they analysis of woody plants. • The importance of botanic gardens in exploring have already caused a revolution on classic the plant kingdom and in linking plants, people approaches to conservation genetic analyses. 7.4 Education Research and culture were discussed • The panoply of molecular tools is now Coordinators: Julia Willison and Janelle Hatherly • Historical and contemporary case studies impressive: sequencing, allozymes, RAPDs, explored connections between people and plants AFLPs, RFLPs and microsatellites, they cover all • The only way to measure achievement of locally and globally. the possible levels of study, from individuals to educational objectives and corporate missions is species or genera. through evaluation and research. 8.2 Ethnobotany, and indigenous knowledge – • Probably, molecular markers will represent, in the • Education research can be part of a learning the role of botanic gardens long run, as with molecular methods in experience for children by empowering them to Coordinator: Robert Bye systematics, a tremendous change both in become researchers. methodology and in our understanding of • A range of research tools is needed to evaluate • As botanic gardens expand their role of biodiversity. education programmes in botanic gardens. promoting plant conservation (especially where • The results of research can offer excellent people have lost direct contact with plants such 7.2 Research advances on the study of the opportunities for botanic garden education as in some developed countries and urban Mediterranean flora programmes to evolve. areas), the role and recognition of indigenous Coordinator: Pep Ninot • Botanic garden education programmes cater for knowledge is needed for the efficient utilization of a wide range of audiences. We need to ensure plant products for sustainable development. • The comprehensive use of plant collections education research is carried out with the • Small botanic gardens are able to respond to the (herbaria, cultivated plants) and data banks is diversity of audiences. changing requirements of communities as long absolutely basic to any project on the flora, and • If botanic gardens are going to carry out research as the botanic garden maintains effective provides more and more diverse pathways to then they need to implement the results. If communication, promotes active participation of conduct quality research. they’re not going to use the results of the the local people (e.g., autosuggestion, take the • The ongoing addition of fields such as research then there is little point in doing it. botanic garden to the people), and the people conservation biology and ecological restoration assume their own responsibilities. reinforces the important role of botanic gardens, 7.5 Botanic gardens and plant taxonomy: • Botanic gardens need to reach out to the people i.e. linking taxonomic and floristic studies to the Achieving Target 1 of the GSPC to effectively demonstrate the "plants pay". practical use of plant diversity, through multiple Coordinators: Peter Crane and Etelka Leadlay • Botanic gardens of the North can facilitate the cultivation techniques and methods in studying recognition and respect for indigenous biodiversity. • Collaboration and networks are very important for knowledge by facilitating: achieving this target • awareness of the origin and history of the 7.3 Science and Horticulture working together • Botanic gardens should participate according to plants that are the basis of the their livelihood Coordinator: David Rae their own priorities, capacities and interests. (e.g., local industry in urban areas); • Those local national and regional botanic gardens • the initial development (e.g., training, • Micropropagation and cryopreservation are with an interest-focus on the production of local, resources, etc.) in response to a community’s important and valuable techniques in the national, and regional lists should do so in desire to share local plant knowledge (among conservation of critically endangered species. conjunction where possible with Target 2. themselves, to new generations, to tourists, • Horticulture has an important role to play in • An especially useful focus for local, national and etc.), and delivering at least 8 of the targets in the Global regional botanic gardens would be on local, • North to South collaboration needs to mature Strategy for Plant Conservation and horticultural national and regional endemics likely to a of into South to South collaborations (e.g., staff should be encouraged to get involved in the special importance for the GSPC. between communities within the same country, Strategy. • It is it important that information from Target 1 is between two developing counties, etc.). • We should acknowledge and celebrate botanic made available as it is produced because of the • Communities and botanic gardens need to garden horticulture as a distinctive and specialist relevance and contribution of this target to other establish at the initial stages how indigenous branch of horticulture and recognise the valuable targets. knowledge is to going to be documented and contribution of horticulture to integrated • The importance of engaging the non botanic shared so that it is clear what, how much, in conservation strategies. garden community in the effort was stressed (e.g what format etc, of the information will be • The breeding of new cultivars of fruit and museums, horticulture, community and available to the public as well as the information ornamental plants in botanic gardens should be universities). that is restricted. recognised as a valuable and legitimate aspect of botanic garden research. 7.6 Recent advances in Restoration Ecology Below: 8.3 The value and future of private collections • As well as traditional, mainstream areas of and Research Coordinator: Rodger Elliot Participants of research botanic gardens should develop cross Coordinators: Deanna Rokich and Dave Merritt cutting themes such as studies relating to the Latin • Curation of plant collections by amateur and aspects of climate change as a way of bringing • An integrated approach to restoration, professional holders can make a valuable American together different groups of science staff as well incorporating a number of research disciplines contribution to plant conservation, provide as scientists and horticulturists or education staff (e.g. propagation science, conservation genetics, Network reference collections and education. and scientists. weed control and restoration science) is the most • Collection holders require scientific as well Meeting effective way to achieve results. horticultural expertise. • Adaptive management (i.e. management of on- • Networks have fundamental function for ground works that is guided by information information exchange. provided by researchers based on good science) • Necessity of ongoing propagation and is also useful for improving restoration success. distribution of propagules. • Weed control and amelioration of other • Collections can cover ornamental plants, crops disturbances (e.g., fire and feral animals) are the and wild flora. greatest challenges for restoration, particularly in urbanised areas. 8.4 The botanic garden as a cultural and • The use of reference sites (measures of diversity, scientific heritage abundance, vegetation composition etc. at Coordinators: Esteban Hernández Bermejo, Joan undisturbed sites) to develop measures of Pedrola-Monfort and Vernon Heywood success and completion criteria should always be included. Botanic gardens have increasing value; they are • Collaboration and partnerships with universities institutions committed to local and regional peoples and other agencies external to one's own is vital and societies in the service of socio-cultural and to solving restoration problems. economical development, the sustainable use of biological and cultural diversity, the traditional ways of exploitation of natural resources and environmental values that assure the wealth of humankind and the rest of the biosphere.

14 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) Author: Steve Alton

The Millennium Seed Bank Project International Programme

The Millennium Seed Bank Project Biological Diversity’s drylands work (MSBP) International Programme is a programme, and in the establishment nine year global conservation of the Convention to Combat programme (2001-2010), conceived, Desertification (CCD). developed and managed by the Seed Conservation Department at the Royal One of the most important aspects of Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG, Kew). the MSBP is that, through its bilateral The two principal aims of the agreements and support of partner Programme are to: institutions, it ensures duplication of Collecting work has also been carried Above: conserved seed collections at facilities out closer to home. In the UK, around Millennium Seed • collect and conserve 10% of the all over the world, at the same time 97% of native higher plant species are Bank Project, world’s seed-bearing flora (some providing capital input, training and now represented in the Millennium Mexico (Photo: 24,000 species), principally from the technical expertise for seed banking Seed Bank. This includes 88% of UK RBG, Kew) drylands, by the year 2010 activities. Where agreements allow and species ascribed to an IUCN Threat • develop bilateral research, training quantities are sufficient, the germplasm Category. Of these, 28% are Left: and capacity-building relationships stored in the Millennium Seed Bank considered to have total or adequate Cylindrophyllum worldwide in order to support and and the other banks worldwide will be site coverage. hallii - In 2001 to advance the seed conservation made available to the world scientific MSBP collectors effort and plant conservation communities, In addition to the major partnerships in South Africa and the Project will become a world above, the MSBP is actively pursuing tracked down The drylands cover a third of the focal point for ex situ conservation collaborations with a range of other the only known Earth’s land surface, including many of research. organisations engaged in wild-species wild population the world’s poorest countries, and seed conservation. One such initiative of this plant. support almost one fifth of its The MSBP International Programme is the formation of a network of There are only population. The most immediate threat partners include institutions in European Seed Banks, which seeks to about 219 living to dryland areas is desertification due Australia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, share expertise and facilities, plants left, with to intensive human settlement in areas Chile, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, coordinate the setting of priorities and clear signs of subject to drought. This concern is Madagascar, Mali, Malawi, Mexico, therefore avoid duplication of effort predation. There reflected in the Convention on Namibia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa across continental Europe. To support were many dead and the USA. These collaborations this work, funding has been secured plants, possibly have as their basis the precepts of the under the European Commission’s 6th victims of CBD, respecting national sovereignty Framework Programme for Research, drought or and supporting national biodiversity Technical Development and utilisation by conservation strategies. Benefit- Demonstration. animals. sharing, in the form of duplicate seed Fortunately storage, data exchange, technology These initiatives are important steps seeds were in transfer and training are all essential along the path to achieving Target 8, ample supply components of the Programme, and the ex situ conservation target of the and a good will help to ensure the long term Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, collection was sustainability of the Programme after but more is needed. To this end, the made (Photo: 2010. UK Programme is being extended to RBG, Kew)

BGCI • 2004 • BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 15-16 15 Above: The Seeds for Life Project (SfLP) in Kenya Wellcome Trust Millennium In Kenya, five institutions, the Forestry have contributed to the development Building Department (FD), the National and delivery of an undergraduate Laboratory Genebank of Kenya (GBK) through diploma course in seed conservation cover the UK’s Overseas Territories, (Photo: RBG, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute techniques at Maseno University. The with funding from the Foreign and Kew) (KARI), the Kenya Forestry Research three Kenyans who participated in the Commonwealth Office. In addition, the Institute (KEFRI), the Kenya Wildlife 2001 International Diploma Course in Millennium Seed Bank is keen to Service (KWS) and the National Plant Conservation Techniques at RBG, encourage the use of its state-of-the- Museums of Kenya (NMK) are working Kew developed projects on a art facilities by any organisation with RBG, Kew to strengthen the community-based element to the SfLP, a seeking long-term storage of seed national capacity to store native seed. standard operating procedure for X-ray material. Universities, NGOs, botanic As well as strengthening the national examination of seed at KEFRI and the gardens and government departments institutions, the medium to long term SfLP species prioritisation list for their are encouraged to make use of the objective is to ensure that this capacity assignments. Millennium Seed Bank, either as the is passed on to local communities, in primary repository of ex situ material, particular to support on-farm utilisation Kenyans have undertaken technical or as a back-up for their own storage of indigenous species. This project, training attachments at the Wellcome facilities. Donated seed samples can the Seeds for Life Project (SfLP) has Trust Millennium Building which have either be made available for research allowed the five partners to develop a covered all aspects of seed processing or conservation work through the Index harmonised 'best practise protocol' for and banking. The training has facilitated Seminum system, or held for the sole collection and handling of plant genetic the entry of these technicians onto the use of the donors. Detailed information resources for long-term storage. diploma course at Maseno University in on initial viability can be provided, and Kenya. Six in-country workshops have samples of the material can be Joint research and continuing training been run, on subjects including seed repatriated along with passport data programmes are central to the project. collecting, data and documentation, and germination instructions. There are Kenyans have undertaken research species prioritisation, project also opportunities for collaborative attachments at the Wellcome Trust development and the science research, training and joint fieldwork. Millennium Building at Wakehurst Place programme; these have been led by (site of the MSB). Research topics have Kenyan experts, sometimes following Steve Alton included studies on the germination and research or training attachments at the Millennium Seed Bank storage of both Kenyan orchid seeds Wellcome Trust Millennium Building. Wakehurst Place, Ardingly and African tree seeds, and data West Sussex RH 17 6TN management issues. On-going The SfLP has supported postgraduate Tel: +44 (0)1444 894119 collaborative research includes research and undergraduates studies which Fax: +44 (0)1444 894110 on the suitability of locally available includes the course at Maseno E-mail: [email protected] storage containers. These participants University. Internet: http://www.kew.org/ msbp/

Ex situ conservation of endemic, vulnerable and endangered plant species from desert and Mediterranean zones of Chile

In Chile, The Instituto de Investigaciones was held in March 2002, attended by Collecting expeditions take place Agropecuarias (INIA) is working with Kew scientists from 13 different institutes. principally between November and to implement a project on ex situ April each year. Targeting of species for conservation of endemic, vulnerable and The Chilean fieldwork team is initially conservation is helped by access to endangered plant species from desert concentrating on threatened geophytes the specimen data held at the and Mediterranean zones of Chile. and later attention will move to endangered Universidad de la Serena, Museo Collecting, joint research and a tree and shrub species from central Chile. Nacional, and Universidad de continuing training programme are For these species, research is required into Conceptión (Flora of Chile database). central to the project, which seeks seed storage behaviour. In addition, Kew additional academic and technical and INIA will jointly work to gather The project's seed research forms part partnerships throughout central and appropriate information about the Chilean of the regional CEAZA (Centro de northern Chile as it develops. dryland flora. The project database will Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas, The project leader, Dr Pedro León, has include information on the biology and Chile) project investigating the effect of been discussing with Chilean colleagues ecology of native species, specially the El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO) ways in which they can participate in the focused on information related to seed and on the adaptation of the flora and project, for example by contributing data fruit characteristics, germination, dispersal fauna. and joining collecting missions. A seed and pollination. collecting techniques training course

16 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) Author: E.A. James

Conserving Grevillea williamsonii: the importance of taxonomic research for appropriate conservation action

kilometres from the original collection Left: site. After confirmation of their identity Grevillea by comparison with one of williamsonii Williamson’s herbarium specimens, G. (Photo: Neil williamsonii was reinstated as a rare Marriott) rather than an extinct species.

Over the years since it was first collected, there has been disagreement regarding the taxonomic position of G. williamsonii with some people considering it to be an extremely rare species, others more inclined to it being a hybrid between G. aquifolium growing in the vicinity and another unknown species, or simply an unusual variant of G. aquifolium. And perhaps the differing opinions should have rung some warning bells regarding activities appropriate for its conservation. However, it was rightly listed as a rare species invoking the precautionary principle because there was scant information and its survival was Background williamsonii to have affinities to G. dependent on the health of less than ilicifolia and G. aquifolium which are 20 plants in a single population. This article summarises the changing both widely distributed in western Currently, G. williamsonii, is considered fortunes of G. williamsonii and is a Victoria and southeastern South to be a narrow range endemic cautionary tale for the way in which Australia. Both species have highly restricted to a small area at Cassidy funding is allocated for conservation variable leaf morphologies and growth Gap in the northern Grampians, projects. habits (Figure 1). Williamson made western Victoria and consequently is several herbarium specimens that listed as endangered under state and Grevillea williamsonii F. Muell. 1893 remain in the collections at the National federal legislation. was described from a collection by Herbarium of Victoria. A couple of botanist H.B. Williamson in 1892 from years after the initial collection, the Due to its rarity, there was no the only known plant “near Mt. Abrupt” area was burnt by wildfire and G. information about the biology of the in western Victoria. It grows with G. williamsonii was thought to be extinct. species but research funding was not aquifolium but is quite distinct with available because a Recovery Plan had smaller, often entire or asymmetrically However, in 1992, local plant not been prepared for the species. lobed leaves. One of the holly-leafed enthusiasts came across a number of Development of the Recovery Plan, grevilleas, Mueller considered G. unusual plants approximately eight based on very limited data, led to

BGCI • 2004 • BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 17-19 17 possibilities regarding the taxonomic Research position of G. williamsonii are listed with different conservation Reproductive structures management actions. This work was done on ex-situ plants grown at the RBG Melbourne and Firstly, the population could be a relict verified from limited examination of species. Site conditions suggest that field specimens and plants cultivated the extant individuals will not be elsewhere. The reproductive structures present within 5 years. Conservation of G. williamsonii were compared to G. would be dependent on the aquifolium and G. ilicifolia under a establishment of new populations from dissecting microscope and a scanning cultivated material if surveys do not electron microscope. find more plants. Alternatively, G. williamsonii could have resulted from a Genetic analysis chance pollination between G. Observations on reproductive aquifolium and another, unidentified, structures were followed by genetic species. In this scenario, management comparison of G. williamsonii with G. should target the plant community aquifolium growing with G. williamsonii rather than the conservation of hybrid as well as from other locations within individuals. Finally, G. williamsonii the Grampians and elsewhere, G. might comprise a variant of G. ilicifolia and G. renwickiana, a species aquifolium that occurs sporadically. found in southern New South Wales. The plants could be a sibling cohort resulting from a single pollination Results and Discussion event. If this is the case, then the sporadic appearance of G. williamsonii The major stumbling block to results from natural reproductive reproduction in G. williamsonii is that it processes combining genetic variation is male sterile. None of the hundreds of Above: Figure 1 some funding being allocated for site present in G. aquifolium even if the anthers examined contained pollen Comparison of works, monitoring and surveying for extant individuals are a reproductive (Figure 2). It also lacks the ability to leaf shapes for further populations but still the deadend. Management, therefore, reproduce via root suckers unlike some Grevillea question of its taxonomic status had should encompass the species as a other related species such as the male williamsoniii (a), not yet been addressed. whole rather than as isolated sterile G. infecunda that has only sterile G. aquifolium populations or individuals to maintain pollen. A noticeable difference between (b–e), G. Grevillea williamsonii is vigorous in the natural levels of genetic variation G. williamsonii and other holly-leafed infecunda (f), G. cultivation and has a dense branching and to enable reproductive processes grevilleas is the lack of a stigmatic disk. ilicifolia (g-h), G. habit. In the wild it tends to develop a to occur. The receptive part of the stigma is renwickiana (i) more straggly habit with the largest usually located in the centre of the disk plants about 1 x 1 m. It appears to be To clarify the taxonomic status of G. and becomes receptive after it has suffering from competition from other williamsonii and to remove uncertainty acted as a pollen presenter and the species because the site has not been with respect to the appropriate pollen removed by pollinators. Typical of burnt for decades and is quite management actions for the holly-leafed grevilleas, the receptive overgrown. Flowering is prolific in conservation of a potentially doubtful area of G. aquifolium consists of slender cultivation but again, in the wild, is taxon, genetic analysis and observation finger-like papillae. G. williamsonii, on more sporadic and in recent years wild of the reproduction structures was the other hand, has papillae that are plants have failed to flower. There undertaken with funding from the Royal swollen at the base and some are have been anecdotal reports of seed Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Parks spherical (Figure 3). Exudate seen on production but they have not been Victoria (the managing authority) and G. williamsonii is similar to that found on verified although immature fruit has the Australian Flora Foundation. other species as the stigma becomes been seen on some individuals in the receptive so whilst the papillae are wild.

Taxonomic uncertainty and its effect on conservation Right: Figure 2 activities Anther of G. williamsonii The taxonomic uncertainty of G. showing williamsonii needed resolution because absence of it affects the actions that are pollen (a). Pollen appropriate for the recovery of the in anther of G. taxon and its subsequent aquifolium (b) management. The following

18 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) deformed, stigmas might have some Left: Figure 3 reproductive capacity even if it were at a Stigma of G. reduced level. williamsonii with deformed, Male sterility can occur for various bulbous papillae reasons. For instance, it can be found (a). G. ilicifolia in relict species that have become showing finger- reproductively isolated and can also be like papillae a consequence of hybridisation. and triangular Therefore, even if the stigma becomes pollen (b) receptive and can support pollen tube growth in the style, any pollen would have to come from a source other than G. williamsonii. As it grows with G. species with a broader range of Since 1992, plant numbers have aquifolium, that species would be the environmental fitness enabling dwindled from about 16 to 7 probably most likely pollen source. adaptation to changing conditions. a combination of competition from There is no obvious evolutionary other species and the presence of The genetic analysis showed that advantage in having plants with a Phytophthora cinnamomi at the site. despite morphological differences reduced reproductive capacity. It is these issues that need to be when compared to G. aquifolium It would be expected that the addressed to maintain the integrity of sharing the same site, G. williamsonii “G. williamsonii” form will turn up the habitats that support G. aquifolium. cannot be separated genetically from periodically but should not be subject Meanwhile, G. williamsonii will probably G. aquifolium. Using DNA-based to special conservation efforts. turn up again but we mightn’t be methods, the genetic similarity of G. around to notice it. williamsonii was consistent with it Conservation implications being a subset of the variation found in As a result of this study, G. williamsonii Acknowledgments G. aquifolium. Samples from two should not be considered as a rare populations of G. ilicifolia grouped species and therefore its listing as an This article is based on a presentation together despite having distinct leaf endangered species is invalid. Instead, given to the 5th Australian Network for shapes (see Figure 1) and G. its correct taxonomic status should be Plant Conservation National renwickiana, another holly-leafed as a rare variant of G. aquifolium. The Conference in Geelong, Australia, 24 Grevillea was also clearly distinct deformed reproductive structures and Feb – 1 March 2002. Many people (Figure 4). lack of pollen suggest that this have contributed information and ideas aberrant form is unlikely to contribute about G. williamsonii and I would The most likely explanation is that G. to reproduction in G. aquifolium. particularly like to thank Neil Marriott williamsonii is rare recombinant of (Trust for Nature Victoria), Neville Walsh genetic characters maintained within The conservation of G. williamsonii has and nursery staff (Royal Botanic Left: Figure 4 the G. aquifolium population. A been an expensive exercise and is a Gardens Melbourne), Bob Makinson Principal co- mutation that produces abnormalities good example of where a small amount (Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney) and ordinate in male and female function as well as of research funding initially would have Parks Victoria staff at Halls Gap. analysis of leaf morphology is undoubtedly rare freed up funds for other projects. It has RAPD but cannot be discounted. If G. been costly conserving this potentially E.A. James characters for williamsonii can produce seed when doubtful taxon in terms of the time Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne G. williamsonii pollinated with G. aquifolium pollen, people have spent in propagating, and Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra (Gw), G. any offspring will be true G. aquifolium. maintaining ex situ stock, monitoring Victoria, 3141, Australia aquifolium The occasional production of a variant plants in situ, carrying out site Tel: +61 (0)3 9252 2378 (Gaq), G. may be the result of sexual protection work, preparing survey plans Fax: +61 (0)3 9252 2442 ilicifolia (Gili) reproduction where rare recessive and undertaking surveys for additional E-mail: [email protected]. and G. alleles are combined. Theoretically, plants in similar habitats. The plants gov.au renwickiana such combinations can provide have some novelty value and could be Internet: www.rbg.vic.gov.au (Grenw) of horticultural interest but should not showing be the subject of specific conservation separation of G. efforts. Instead, management of areas aquifolium, G. containing G. aquifolium should be ilicifolia and G. designed for the general habitat type renwickiana and to maintain the patterns of genetic (Grenw) but no diversity present in G. aquifolium. For distinction example, it is no longer appropriate to between G. prevent fires in the area and the site williamsonii and should be included in the on-going fire G. aquifolium plan that has been developed for the from a number Grampians. of populations.

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 19 Authors: G.A. Firsov, T.G. Ponomareva

Role of St Petersburg Botanic Garden in the establishment of the Lower Choper Nature Park

Right: of the former USSR (e.g. Russia and Floodland lake adjacent areas of Kazakhstan and with rich Ukraine) such as Anchusa popovii, aquatic Erysimum cretaceum, Koeleria talievii vegetation near and Matthiola fragrans. There are even the mouth of endemics of the Lower Don floristic the Choper district (Rosa microdenia). As a result (Location of of this research, the habitats and the Trapa natans natural distribution of certain species and the desman have been clarified; some were (Russian discovered far from the locations cited muskrat) in the literature e.g. Allium (Myogale scorodoprasum, Nonea lutea, moschata) Utricularia australis and others. (Photo: Clematis orientalis was an interesting Gennady Firsov) discovery. It was found on chalk hills near Pustovsky village; the only arboreal climber for the whole large area; it represents the northern point of its European natural area. Many well- known European species also occur The Lower Choper (Nizhnechopersky) (2000-2002) of that area (project here at their southern and south- Nature Park was established in March 99/50/1 sponsored by Fauna and Flora eastern limits (e.g. Comarum palustre, 2003. This is the largest of six parks in International (UK non-government Salix pentandra, Tilia cordata). the Volgograd region (southern Russia), organization) to identify rare species covering an area of about 186,000 ha and to identify factors threatening the Local people may damage certain rare of the Kumilzhensky, Alexeevsky and flora. plants because of their highly Nekhaevsky administrative districts. decorative, medicinal or fruiting The Choper (or Khoper) flows into the As a result 1015 species of vascular Right: Sand River Don. It was created to conserve plants belonging to 469 genera of 99 with Festuca its unique flora and fauna, peculiar families have been identified. 176 beckeri (Photo: landscapes with virgin steppes, chalk species of native flora may be Gennady Firsov) denudations (chalk hills, 30-50 m high considered rare, 68 have been added cut with ravines), floodland and upland to the Red Data Book of Volgograd forests, sand hills and meadows, and region and 23 to the Red Data Book of the Cossack way of life at the lower Russia. 12 species are threatened and reaches of the Choper river. vulnerable, being threatened with extinction in Russia (Allium regelianum, St Petersburg Botanic garden of the Bulbocodium versicolor, Stipa Komarov Botanical Institute RAS took pulcherrima). There are endemics of part in preliminary floristic research chalkland and sandy areas in the south

20 BGCI • 2004 • BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 20-21 G.A. Firsov Left: Crataegus Botanic garden of the Komarov rhipidophylla at Botanical Institute chalk ravines 2 Prof. Popov street near stanitsa St Petersburg, 197376, Russia Bukanovskaya Tel: +7 812 234 1953 in autumn, Fax: +7 812 234 4512 profusely E-mail: [email protected] decorated with red berries T.G. Ponomareva (Photo: Nizhnechopersky Nature Park Gennady Firsov) stanitsa Bukanovskaya Volgograd region, 403424, Russia Tel/Fax: +7 844 6 51 99

properties, but the main threats are in It is very important to establish a local fact ploughing virgin steppe, nursery where rare and threatened afforestation of sand and intensive species can be propagated and cattle grazing. brought into cultivation on a large scale using the advantages of the local As a result of this project St Petersburg conditions of climate and soil. This Botanic garden was able to increase its work is being undertaken by a local living collections. Russia has farmer and enthusiast Sergei Grishin. considerable plant genetic resources which have not been brought into The conservation and education role of cultivation. The flora of the lower the Lower Choper Nature Park is in its reaches of the Choper river is rich in early stages. The collaboration bulbs, perennials, shrubs and between botanic garden experts and subshrubs which are not in cultivation local conservationists is critical to nor even tested in the St Petersburg or protect the area’s remarkable other Russian gardens. This is true for biodiversity. recently described species (Rosa microdenia), but there are also species which have been well-known for a long time by experts on the flora, but unknown by gardeners (e.g. Atriplex verrucifera). Species such as Cerasus fruticosa, Ephedra distachya, Malus praecox are rare in general cultivation. Artemisia salsoloides, Astragalus zingeri, Thymus pallasianus and others Above: Oak trees appear to be absent in Russian botanic (Quercus robur) garden. at Shakinsky oak wood (Photo: During the process of floristic field Cornelius investigation many varieties and forms Sönksen) have been observed. These are Bulbocodium versicolor and Scilla Left: Chalk hills of sibirica with white flowers, different Choper river with flower-coloured forms of Iris pumila a flock of goats and Corydalis solida, and fastigiate and near stanitsa dwarf forms of arboreal species. Their Bukanovskaya description and cultivation is the task (Photo: Gennady of forthcoming work. Firsov)

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 21 Authors: Zulma E. Rúgolo de Agrasar, María de Luján Puglia

Ornamental Grasses in Argentina: introduction and cultivation of native and exotic species

Grasses have always been part of the specimens were collected for areas (xeriscape), fixation of dunes, natural landscape of the earth cultivation, the material was identified control of erosion and for the production dominating important ecosystems. At and herbarium specimens were made of fresh or dry flower arrangements. present, these versatile plants have won and deposited in the Herbarium (SI) of an outstanding place in modern Instituto de Botánica Darwinion The purpose of this work is not only to landscaping. The southern territory of (Holmgren et al., 1990). The identity of encourage the use of native and exotic America has a great abundance of the species have been verified (Zuloaga grasses in both private and public parks grasses with more than 1300 species et al., 1994; Darke, 1999; Soreng, 2000, and gardens, but also to evaluate compared with other areas at similar 2001; Soreng & Pennington, 2003). At grasses in the natural landscape, to latitudes (Nicora & Rúgolo de Agrasar, the same time, field work was carried ensure the conservation of the floral 1987; Zuloaga et al., 1994). The out to assess the habitat and the richness of grasses as a reservoir of specific richness with diverse ecological conditions of the grasses in valuable species, and the protection of characters, many of them peculiar or their native habitat and cultivation trials the ground from desertification unique is related to the number of were undertaken at monthly intervals to processes. different habitats of each type: assess characteristics such as: height savannas, prairies, Andean vegetation, and diameter of the tufts, aspect of the The authors are grateful to Florencia forest or jungle vegetation. This foliage, flowering process, speed and Agrasar for her language assistance and biological diversity, with numerous forms of growth, self-sowing power and to Mariana Valente for her help in the endemic species, is an inexhaustible ornamental value. The behaviour of electronic process of the photographs. resource for the selection new taxa for each species was also monitored for a ornamental use. Although the year to evaluate the seasonal changes References ecosystems of the region provide a and methods of cultivation such as time great abundance and variety of native of pruning, division of tufts and Darke, R. 1999. The Color grasses, very few are used in landscape transplanting. Cultivation conditions and Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses. design of green spaces; exotic species requirements associated with the Timber Press, Portland, Oregon. are better known and used. In 1994, different uses were also evaluated. Holmgren, P. K., Holmgren, N. H. & these ideas inspired this project of Sustainable practices in landscaping Barnett, L. C. 1990. Index Herbariorum. cultivating native grass species from were used in these trials, to promote Part I: the herbaria of the world. 8th Argentina and exotic grasses, for which horticulture that uses native species edition. New York Botanical Garden, there was no cultivation data in these adapted to the environment, requiring Right: latitudes (Province of Buenos Aires, Mar low consumption of chemical products, Oplismenopsis del Plata (38º 01’ 00’’ S 57º 31’ 00’’ W). little watering and minimum najada (Hack. & maintenance work. Arechav.) Parodi More than 100 taxa, of which approximately 50% are native species From the analysis of the data taxa have (Rúgolo de Agrasar & Puglia, 2003; been selected with different Rúgolo de Agrasar & Puglia, in press) characteristics, adapted to particular have been studied over ten years (see climatic conditions, capable of diverse List of species in cultivation). The uses in relation to micro climates and following methodology was developed: local ecology; as well as their use in the the species were selected, living restoration of natural prairies, drought

22 BGCI • 2004 • BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 22-23 New York. (see Internet site: http://www.nybg.org/bsci/ih/ih.html) List of species in cultivation Nicora, E. & Rúgolo de Agrasar, Z. E. 1987. Los géneros de Gramíneas de Alopecurus pratensis L. cv. variegatus; América Austral. Editorial Hemisferio Andropogon gerardii Vitnam.; Andropogon Sur. Buenos Aires. lateralis Nees; Aristida niederleinii Mez.; Rugolo de Agrasar, Z.E. & Puglia, M. L. Arrenatherum elatius (L.) P. Beauv. var. bulbosum 2003. Potencial de las gramíneas (Willd.) Spenn. cv. variegatum; Arundinaria nativas como especies ornamentales japonica Siebold et Zucc. Arundinaria pygmaea en el diseño de espacios verdes: In: L. (Miq.) Asch. & Graebn.; Arundinaria simonii Mascarini, F. Vilela & E. Wright (eds.). (Carriére) A. et C. Rivière var. simonii; Arundinaria Floricultura en la Argentina, simonii var. variegatus Hook. f.; Arundo donax L. Investigación y Tecnología de var. donax; Arundo donax var. versicolor (Mill.) Producción. Editorial Facultad de Stokes; Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch.; Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Brachypodium sylvaticum (Huds.) P. Beauv.; Briza Aires. maxima L. Briza media L. Briza minor L.; Briza caerulea (L.) Moench subsp. caerulea. cv. Above: Rugolo de Agrasar, Z.E. & Puglia, M. L. subaristata Lam.; Calamagrostis x acutiflora variegata; Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench. subsp. Paspalum Gramíneas Ornamentales. Edit. (Schrad.) DC. cv. KarI Foerster; Calamagrostis x arundinacea (Schrank) H. Paul ex Grabherr. cv. exaltatum J. L.O.L.A. (In Press). acutiflora (Schard.) DC. cv. overdam; skyracer; Muhlenbergia dumosa Scribn. ex Vasey; Presl Soreng, R. J. (ed.) 2000. Catalogue of Chasmantium latifolium (Michx.) Yates; Chusquea Muhlenbergia rigens (Benth.) Hitchck.; Nassella New World. Grasses (Poaceae): I. culeou Desv.; Coix lacryma-jobi L.; Cortaderia tenuissima (Trin.) Barkworth; Oplismenopsis Sufamilies Anomochooideae, selloana (Schult. et Schult. f.) Asch. et Graebn.; najada (Hack. & Arechav.) Parodi; Oplismenus Bambusoideae, Ehrhartoideae and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf; Deyeuxia hirtellus (L.) P. Beauv.; Oplismenus hirtellus subsp. Pharoideae. Contr. U. S. Nat. Herb. 39: viridiflavescens (Poir.) Kunth var. viridiflavescens; setarius (Lam.) Mez ex Ekman; Panicum 1-128. Deyeuxia viridiflavescens var. montevidensis elephantipes Nees ex Trin.; Panicum prionitis Soreng, R. J. (ed.) 2001. Catalogue of (Nees) Cabrera et Rúgolo; Eragrostis curvula Nees; Panicum racemosum (P. Beauv.) Spreng.; New World Grasses (Poaceae): II. (Schrad.) Nees; Erianthus ravennae (L.) P. Beauv.; Panicum urvilleanum Kunth; Panicum virgatum L. Subfamily Chloridoideae. Contr. U. S. Erianthus trinii (Hack.) Hack.; Eustachys Panicum virgatum L. cv. heavy metal; Panicum Nat. Herb. 41: 1-255. distychophylla (Lag.) Nees; Festuca cinerea Vill. virgatum L. cv. praire sky; Panicum virgatum L. cv. Soreng, R. J. & Pennington, S. J. (eds.) cv. blausilber. Festuca cinerea Vill. cv. Elijah Blue; rostrahlbusch; Paspalum ceresia (Kuntze) Chase; 2003. Catalogue of New World. Festuca glauca Vill.; Festuca ovina L.; Gynerium Paspalum exaltatum J. Presl; Paspalum haumanii Grasses (Poaceae): III. Sufamilies sagittatum (Aubl.) P. Beauv.; Helictotrichon Parodi; Paspalum quadrifarium Lam.; Paspalum Panicoideae, Aristidoideae, sempervirens ( Vill) Pilg.; Hordeum jubatum L.; repens Bergius; Paspalum stellatum Humb. et. Arundinoideae and Danthoniodeae. Ichnanthus minarum (Nees) Döll; Imperata Bonpl. ex Flüggé; Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Contr. U. S. Nat. Herb. 46: 1-662. brasiliensis Trin.; Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. Spreng.; Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng. Zuloaga, F. O., Nicora, E. G., Rúgolo de subsp. koenigii (Retz.) Tzvelev. cv. red baron; cv. caudatum; Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Agrasar Z. E., Morrone, O., Pensiero, J. Jarava caudata (Trin.) Peñailillo; Jarava ichu Ruiz Spreng. cv Hameln; Pennisetum alopecuroides & Cialdella, A. M., 1994. Catálogo de la et Pav. Jarava pseudoichu (Caro) F. Rojas; (L.) Spreng. cv. moudry; Pennisetum orientale Familia Poaceae en la República Koeleria glauca (Schrad.) DC.; Lagurus ovatus L.; Rich.; Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.; Argentina. Monogr. Syst. Bot. Missouri Lamprothyrsus hieronymi (Kuntze) Pilg.; Leymus Pennisetum setaceum (Forsk.) Chiov.; Pennisetum Bot. Gard. 47: 1-178. arenarius (L.) Hoscht. cv. glaucus; Leymus setaceum (Forsk.) Chiov. cv. rubrum; Pennisetum cinereus (Scribn. et Merr.) Á. Löve; Leymus villosum R. Br. ex Fresen.; Phalaris arundinacea L. Zulma E. Rúgolo de Agrasar condensatus (J. Presl.) A. Löve. cv. Canyon var. picta L.; Phalaris arundinacea L. var. picta cv. Instituto de Botánica Darwinion Prince; Melica altissima L. cv. atropurpurea; feesey form; Pharus lappulaceus Aubl.; Academia Nacional de Ciencias Melica macra Nees; Melica sarmentosa Nees var. Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.; Exactas, Físicas y Naturales sarmentosa; Miscanthus floridulus (Labill.) Phyllostachys aurea A. et C. Rivière. Phyllostachys Consejo Nacional de Warburg; Miscanthus oligostachyus Stapf. cv. bambusoides Siebold et Zucc.; Phyllostachys Investigaciones Científicas y purpurascens; Miscanthus sinensis Andersson var. nigra (Lodd. ex Lindl.) Munro; Poa iridifolia Técnicas (CONICET) sinensis; Miscanthus sinensis Andersson var. Hauman; Poa ligularis Nees et Steud.; Labardén 200, 1642 San Isidro sinensis. cv. gracillimus; Miscanthus sinensis Pogonatherum paniceum (Lam.) Hack.; Buenos Aires, Argentina Andersson. var. sinensis. cv. Nippon; Miscanthus Rhynchelytrum repens (Willd.) C.E. Hubb. Tel: +54 11/ 4743-4800/4747-4748 sinensis Andersson var. sinensis. cv. rotsilber; Saccharum oficcinarum L.; Saccharum officinarum Fax: +54 11/ 4747-4748 Miscanthus sinensis Andersson var. sinensis. cv. L. cv. rubrum; Setaria poiretiana (Schult.) Kunth; E-mail: [email protected] silberfeder; Miscanthus sinensis Andersson var. Spartina pectinata Link. cv. aureomarginata; Internet: http://www.darwin.edu.ar sinensis. cv.Yaku Jima; Miscanthus sinensis var. Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br.; Sporobolus condensatus (Hack.) Makino cv. cabaret; maximus Hauman; Stenotaphrum secundatum María de Luján Puglia Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus Beal cv. (E. Walter) Kuntze var. secundatum; Stenotaphrum Vivero “Gramíneas Ornamentales” variegatus; Miscanthus sinensis Anderson var. secundatum (E. Walter) Kuntze var. variegatus; L. N. Alem 2571 zebrina Beal cv. strictus ; Miscanthus sinensis Thysanolaena latifolia (Roxb. ex Hornem.) Honda; 7600 Mar del Plata Anderson var. zebrina Beal. cv. zebrinus; Molinia Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash; Zoyzia matrella Buenos Aires, Argentina caerulea (L.) Moench. subsp. caerulea; Molinia (L.) Merr. E-mail: [email protected]

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 23 International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation - Registration Update

We are delighted to announce that since the 5th December, 2003, a Organizations which have registered their support for the further 87 organizations have registered International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation - their commitment to work to achieve 5th December, 2003 - 20th May, 2004 the objectives and targets of the International Agenda for Botanic Africa BENIN Botanic Garden of Papatia Gardens in Conservation. We are Africa CAMEROON Central African Botanic Gardens and Arboreta Network (CABGAN) pleased that this includes organizations Africa KENYA Plants for Life International from six countries that are new to the Africa MAURITIUS Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden list: Belize, Cuba, Estonia, Israel, Africa UGANDA Nature Palace Botanical Gardens, Vibrant Environs Uganda Malaysia, and Mauritius. Africa ZIMBABWE Vumba Botanical Garden Asia-Temperate CHINA Chengdu Botanic Garden This brings the total of organizations Asia-Temperate GEORGIA Tbilisi Botanic Garden which have registered to 292 from 75 Asia-Temperate ISRAEL The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens countries (20th May 2004). Asia-Tropical INDIA Department of Botany, University of Pune Asia-Tropical INDIA Auroville Botanical Gardens Asia-Tropical MALAYSIA Taman Botani Putrajaya This illustrates the increasing Australasia AUSTRALIA "Denbly" Botanical Garden awareness of the importance of Europe ESTONIA Botanical Garden, University of Tartu botanic gardens for the conservation of Europe FINLAND University of Helsinki Botanic Garden plants and sustainable living. Europe FRANCE Jardin botanique du Montet, Conservatoire et Jardins Botaniques de Nancy Europe FRANCE Jardin botanique de plantes carnivores The International Agenda for Botanic Europe FRANCE Jardin d'Altitude du Haut Chitelet, Conservatoire et Jardins Botaniques de Nancy Gardens in Conservation was Europe ITALY Orto Botanico Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia published in 2000 by Botanic Gardens Europe ITALY Arboreto di Arco Conservation International to provide a Europe ITALY L'Orto Botanico dell’Università di Siena Europe ITALY Orto Botanico di Bergamo “Lorenzo Rota” global policy framework for botanic Europe ITALY Giardino botanico alpino - Viotte di Monte Bondone garden actions in biodiversity Europe LITHUANIA Botanical Garden of Vilnius University conservation, environmental education Europe POLAND Arboretum Glinna Nadleśnictwa Gryfino and sustainable development. Since Europe POLAND Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Marii Curie - Skłodowskiej w Lublinie then it has been widely welcomed by Europe POLAND Ogród Botaniczny w Lodzi many conservation and botanic garden Europe POLAND Ogród Roślin Leczniczych Akademii Medycznej w Gdańsku organisations and institutions Europe POLAND Ogród Dendrologiczny i Gospodarstwo Szkółkarskie Wirty, Nadleśnictwo Kaliska . worldwide. This has included the Europe POLAND Arboretum Wyzszej Szkoły Humanistyczno-Przyrodniczej w Sandomierzu Convention on Biological Diversity Europe POLAND Gołubieński Ogród Botaniczny (CBD) which has recognised the Europe POLAND Arboretum SGGW w Rogowie Europe POLAND Arboretum Przelewice International Agenda as representing Europe POLAND Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego the botanic garden community's Europe POLAND Rada Ogrodów Botanicznych w Polsce response and contribution to the Europe POLAND Ogród Botaniczny Instytutu Hodowli i Aklimatyzacji Roślin w Bydgoszczy achievement of the Global Strategy for Europe POLAND Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w Krakowie Plant Conservation. Europe POLAND Ogród Roślin Leczniczych Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu

24 BGCI • 2004 • BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 24-25 The 2nd World Botanic Gardens Congress, held in Barcelona, Spain from 17-22 April 2004 provided an opportunity for botanic gardens worldwide to review progress in implementation of the priorities identified for botanic garden actions, and to consider how to address the resource gaps and difficulties faced by botanic gardens in many parts of the world.

The Congress also considered and discussed a proposal for the development of a series of Europe POLAND Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu Europe POLAND Arboretum Bramy Morawskiej w Raciborzu International Agenda targets in Europe PORTUGAL Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra conservation, outlining the Europe ROMANIA Gradina Botanica “D. Brandza” priorities and what can Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Botanic Garden of Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences realistically be achieved by 2010, Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Polar-Alpine Botanic Garden-Institute of Kolsky Science Centre of RAS the date also chosen for the Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Botanical Garden-Institute of Far Eastern Branch of RAS achievement of the 16 Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Botanical Garden of Solovetzkiy international targets included in Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Botanical Garden - Institute of Ufa Science Center of RAS the Global Strategy for Plant Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Central Siberian Botanical Garden of Siberian Branch of RAS Conservation as adopted by the Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Botanical Garden of M.K. Ammosov Yakutsk State University world community through the Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Botanical Garden of Pyatigorsk State Pharmaceutical Academy Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Botanical Garden of Kazan State University CBD in 2002. Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Dendrologial Park of the M.V. Frunze Sanatorium Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Botanical Garden of Gorskiy State Agricultural University Copies of the registration brochure Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Dendrological Park of Volga-Kama State Preserve and the International Agenda itself Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Botanical Garden of Udmurtia State University are available in pdf form on the Europe RUSSIAN FEDERATION Mountain Botanic Garden of Daghestan Science Centre of RAS BGCI website (www.bgci.org). Europe SPAIN Jardín Botánico-Histórico “La Concepción” de Málaga Please contact BGCI if you would Europe UKRAINE National Dendrological Park “Sofiyivka” like to be involved in its Europe United Kingdom The Royal Horticultural Society's Garden, Rosemoor implementation ([email protected]). Europe United Kingdom The Royal Horticultural Society's Garden, Wisley Europe United Kingdom The Royal Horticultural Society's Garden, Hyde Hall Europe United Kingdom The Sir Harold Hillier Garden and Arboretum If you have not already Europe United Kingdom The North of England Zoological Society registered, please take the Europe United Kingdom Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses opportunity to complete the Europe United Kingdom Winterbourne Botanic Garden University of Birmingham registration form Europe United Kingdom The Royal Horticultural Society's Garden, Harlow Carr (at the back of this issue of Latin America & The Caribbean BELIZE Belize Botanic Gardens BGjournal) and send by mail Latin America &The Caribbean BRAZIL Jardim Botânico de Lajeado or fax to: Latin America &The Caribbean CHILE Jardín Botánico Chagual The Secretary General, Latin America & The Caribbean CHILE Arboretum de la Universidad Austral de Chile Botanic Gardens Latin America &The Caribbean COLOMBIA Jardín Botánico de Cali Conservation International, Latin America & The Caribbean COLOMBIA Jardín Botánico del Quindío Latin America & The Caribbean COLOMBIA Asociación Latinoamericana y del Caribe de Jardines Botánicos Descanso House, Latin America & The Caribbean CUBA Jardín Botánico de Villa Clara 199 Kew Road, Richmond, Latin America & The Caribbean MEXICO Jardín Botánico de Ciceana Surrey TW9 3BW, U.K. Latin America & The Caribbean MEXICO Jardín Botánico del Instituto de Biología (UNAM) Fax: +44 0208332 5956. Latin America & The Caribbean MEXICO Jardin Botánico “El Charco del Ingenio” North America CANADA Jardin Botanique de Montréal North America CANADA Sherwood Fox Arboretum North America UNITED STATES Meadowlark Botanical Gardens North America UNITED STATES North Carolina Botanical Garden North America UNITED STATES The Morton Arboretum North America UNITED STATES New England Tropical Conservatory North America UNITED STATES North Carolina Zoological Park North America UNITED STATES Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden North America UNITED STATES Eddy Arboretum, Insitute of Forest Genetics North America UNITED STATES Missouri Botanical Garden

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 25 Authors: Jamie O’Connell, Diane Wyse Jackson

Gardens Online The BGCI worldwide botanic gardens database and a new international database of plant collections

For the past few years BGCI has been • Promote your garden to a wider for gardens with medicinal plant working on an ambitious project to international audience collections in India, or gardens with develop a detailed and user-friendly • Provide researchers and the general Mediterranean collections. database of all the botanic gardens and public with important information on arboreta in the world and put it online as your garden. Plant collections a developing resource. Key features: To achieve Target 8 of the Global Strategy A basic searchable database went online for Plant Conservation (GSPC) 60 per cent during 2003, however work continued on • Update your garden records such as: of threatened species need to be in the project and now BGCI is pleased to administrative contacts, public facilities, accessible ex situ collections, preferably in re-launch the facility with a host of new staff numbers, opening times, research the country of origin, and 10 per cent of features. activity, education programmes. them included in recovery and restoration • Securely upload your entire plant programmes by the year 2010. For the first time gardens of the world record database each have their own online garden profile • Cross reference your plant records with The problem is that currently there is no detailing their contact details, facilities, endangered species lists to see how definitive record of what is being cultivated research programmes, plant collections many endangered species you are in gardens around the world. It was with and much more. Anyone wishing to find cultivating. this target in mind that BGCI embarked on out anything about a garden in the world • Link to your own garden website the plant record project. The objective to can now find that information on the • Upload pictures of your garden for your provide a means by which gardens can BGCI website. Crucially, to ensure that public garden profile page contribute their garden records to an the data are current gardens themselves overall database that has public access. are being asked to apply for their own Web users can search for a garden This list of collections can now be cross username and password to update it (see anywhere in the world by country or referenced with current red list data to get example of a garden profile). region/city. You can also search by a picture for the first time of what is being ‘special collection’ type in the keyword achieved to conserve plants ex situ and It is hoped that garden personnel, local search box, so for example you can look what still needs to be done. and international visitors to gardens, Right: researchers and scientists will all make Complete this use of and benefit from having all this form to become information in one location. a garden editor which is linked Gardens will directly benefit in to your garden many ways: profile • Benchmark your services and facilities against other institutions • Evaluate your gardens contribution to plant conservation by cross referencing your collections with red list data

26 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 26-28 Right: Upload a maximum of 5 images

How to update your gardens data in the World Botanic Garden Database

• To get started go to www.bgci.org • Review and update if necessary the and locate your garden in the first screen including address details garden search. Then at the bottom and web address, then press the of your gardens profile click ‘Apply update button (see below). to edit this garden’ – complete the • Use the left hand navigation to form (page 26) and we will send you review and update the other an email with your username and categories such as ‘Research password so you can begin. Programmes’ and ‘Garden Staff’ or click ‘All fields’ to view all the data Once you have received this email, you request fields. After you have made are encouraged to update your garden any updates click the ‘update’ button online information as soon as possible at the bottom of the page. by following the instructions given below. • 5 Images of your garden can be uploaded for display on your public • Return to your gardens profile in the profile page, simply click on ‘Garden garden search www.bgci.org Images’ in the left hand navigation • At the bottom of the page - click on and source the images from your the login link or click edit this own computer (see above). garden. • Click ‘Plant List’ to upload your plant • Enter the username and password collection data (see page 28, top). you received in the email from us. Your user name is most likely to be your email address and passwords are automatically generated by the system so as to make your garden Below: Update your garden information and submit to site as secure as possible. the live site

Above: An Example of a Garden Profile (Eden Project) – Please note apply to edit garden link at bottom of screen

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) 27 Web users can also search for a plant genus or species in the plant search and How to update your plant find out how many gardens are cultivating records in the World Botanic that plant in the world. For security Garden Database reasons BGCI will not publicise which gardens are cultivating each species. Gardens with access to this new However if a user identifies a number of system can upload, replace or gardens that are growing a species they append their garden’s plant can complete the online form with a holdings. This is done by cutting and query that will email those anonymous pasting a CVS (coma separated gardens. The donor garden(s) may or may values) file holding plant name not respond to the query depending on Above: Easily upload your plant collections information only. their circumstances and inclination. In this way gardens uploading their plant Seven fields only are requested at records should have no issues with data the moment. (Abbreviations of field security. names taken from ITF2 Standard Below: Cross reference your plant collections against Field Names (1998) (see www. Future development endangered species lists. bgci.org): Genus Hybrid (genhyb) Periodically in the future we may conduct Genus Name (gen) surveys of the botanic garden community, Species Hybrid (sphyb) registered users will be encouraged to Species Name (sp) login to the website and fill in a simple Infraspecific rank (isprk) form. It is hoped by using the web to Infraspecific epithet (isp) collect information, it will ensure that the Cultivar name (cul) data will be collated and analysed within a short time frame, and give a realistic Any field can hold a blank value, picture of botanic gardens today. which will be transferred by a comma (which indicates to the We also plan to offer reporting computer program that we have functionality to our garden members so moved to the next field. See that they can search and export lists of example for a plant name CSV file: gardens based on their search criteria, e.g. number of staff, size, education genhyb,gen,sphyb,sp,isprk,isp,cul, programmes etc. ,Abronia,,turbinata,,, ,Abronia,,villosa,,, We may also expand the system so that ,Acacia,,asepala,,, gardens can upload their job vacancies, ,Acacia,,blakelyi,,, give details of job swap opportunities, ,Acacia,,bussei,,, and event garden events. We would value ,Acacia,,carens,,, your thoughts on this. Do you think it ,Acacia,,circummarginata,,, would be a good idea and would your ,Acacia,,cuneifolia,,, garden use it? ,Acacia,,filifolia,,, ,Acacia,,paolii,,, We are trying to make this site as user ,Acacia,,stereophylla,,, friendly as possible, so please contact [email protected] with any suggestions Once material has been added, or problems that will help us to streamline please go back and review your our database procedures. garden plant holdings. At that point, minor errors can be deleted. Jamie O’Connell and Please contribute your garden’s Diane Wyse Jackson data – it will make a valuable Botanic Gardens Conservation contribution to Target 8 of the International GSPC. Your plant collection will Descanso House, 199 Kew Road also be cross referenced against Richmond, Surrey TW9 3BW, U.K. the threatened plant lists and a Tel: +44 (0) 20 8332 5957/5 report of your unique holdings can Fax: +44 (0) 20 8332 5956 be downloaded (see left). E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Internet: http://www.bgci.org

28 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) Short Communications

Plant Diversity Challenge communication, educational and public-awareness programmes) are The Plant Diversity Challenge, the UK’s implementation of country biodiversity response to the Global Strategy for plans for education and awareness Plant Conservation (GSPC) was with a public launch to help promote published in February, 2004 two years this report as the UK response to the after the GSPC was adopted by the Global Strategy as high priority Convention on Biological Diversity additional work. (CBD) (Decision VI/9). The report is the result of two-stage consulting process Copies of the report are available with the participation of the following from the Communications Team, organizations, the U.K Department for Joint Nature Conservation Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (JNCC), Monkstone (Defra), the Joint Nature Conservation House, City Road, Peterborough, Committee, the Welsh National PE1 1JY U. K. Assembly Department for Environment, Tel: +44 (0)1733 562626, Planning and Countryside, Plantlife Fax: +44 (0)1733 555948, E-mail: International, the Royal Botanic [email protected], Gardens, Kew and the Scottish Internet: www.jncc.gov.uk Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department. high priority includes ‘researching the This is one of the first published storage of pteridophyte spores’ (the NZPCN Workshop on GSPC national responses to the GSPC and Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh has a Hamdallah Zedan, Executive Secretary spore bank for a number of threatened The New Zealand Plant Conservation of the CBD in his message of support pteridophytes, but more research is Network (NZPCN) has published a said, “I hope that this report will now need into the long-term storage of report on their workshops on several be used by all stakeholders to aid spores) and ‘developing scientific and targets of the Global Strategy for Plant implementation of the Strategy in the horticultural expertise for the ex situ Conservation (GSPC) held at the United Kingdom and that it will inspire conservation of vascular plants and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa similar action in other countries too.” reintroductions’. Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand in August 2003. For instance, the scope of the UK The report stated that ‘the importance response to Target 8 of the GSPC (60 of education and raising public Each workshop followed a structure with per cent of threatened plant species in awareness about biodiversity in general the aims of the session, the priorities for accessible ex situ collections and 10 is firmly established in the emerging achieving these aims, the role of the per cent of them included in recovery country biodiversity strategies’. network in achieving these priorities with and restoration programmes) is that In recent assessments of public first steps – recommendations. The ‘priority should be given to those attitudes to biodiversity in England: report includes the points raised by the threatened species in the IUCN Red participants on which the Data Book category of ‘critically • The proportion of people in England recommendations were made. endangered’, with a target of 90 per concerned about the loss of wildlife cent of such species in ex situ in the UK has risen from 38% in For instance the aims of Target 8 (60 conservation’. The ongoing actions 1986 to 50% in 2001; and per cent of threatened plant species which would contribute to meeting the • Awareness of the term biodiversity are in accessible ex situ collections, target include ‘collecting and storing has increased from 22% in 1996 to and ten percent of them included in vascular plants, primarily in the 26% in 2001. recovery and restoration programmes) Millennium Seed Bank at the Royal were to determine how threatened Botanic Gardens, Kew, and The ongoing actions which contribute plants may be managed more reintroducing them as determined by to meeting Target 14 of the GSPC effectively in ex situ collections, how to the Biodiversity Action Plan process’ (Promoting education and awareness improve efficiencies at including and ‘developing methodologies for the about plant diversity – the importance threatened flora in re-vegetation ex situ conservation and reintroduction of plant diversity and the need for its programmes and how this target was of bryophytes’. Additional work given conservation incorporated into to be met in New Zealand.

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 29-30 29 communication, educational and produced in two languages (Georgian public-awareness programmes), and English) to describe the general participants were asked to respond to biology of orchids, their diversity and four questions about plant distribution in Georgia. It includes a conservation and education: list of 53 orchid taxa which has been revised on the basis of literature, • What individuals and organisations herbarium specimens and new are responsible for providing collections. The distribution of orchid education about plant conservation? species has been plotted on 50 x 50 • What messages, knowledge and Km2 grids. From this information an skills should plant conservation attempt has been made to assign education provide? IUCN categories of threat (IUCN 2001 • What existing plant conservation Categories & criteria (Version 3.1) programmes/resources do you know http://www.iucn.org). of? What are the key messages, skills and knowledge provided? At present, orchid species native to • What audiences should plant Georgia do not have legal protection conservation education programmes and are not included in the Red Data The priorities for establishing ex situ target? Book of Georgia (1982 Sabchota collections of threatened plants was to Sakartvelo, Tbilisi). Many orchids grow determine current status of ex situ The role of the network in achieving in protected areas but these holdings of threatened plants and the these priorities was thought to build populations need management to extent to which these are available for education capacity amongst secure their future especially the only use in species recovery. The workshop membership, advocacy for education, known population of Spiranthes thought that the role of the network in especially with government departments amoena in the Kolkheti National Park. achieving this priority was to: and build relationships with other This programme intends to set up networks involved with plants and living collections in three botanic • Set standards for best practice in environmental education. The workshop gardens, Tbilisi Central Botanical collection and management recommendations were to identify Garden, Kazbegi High-Mountain • Advocate use of threatened species resources and programmes that Ecological Station Alpine Garden and (e.g., to Councils for them to adopt currently exist, promote examples of Bakuriani Alpine Botanical Garden. a species) good practice, identify gaps and work at The living collections will be made by • Assist in coordination of NZ botanic how to fill the gaps by preparing an collecting adult plants from populations gardens (with respect to involvement education strategy for the network. exceeding 50 individuals whereas in threatened species programmes). endangered species will only be grown • Improve training for expert For copies of the Global Strategy from seed collected from wild propagators for Plant Conservation Workshops: populations with the use of in vitro Summary Report, (Price: NZ$15 seed germination techniques. The workshop recommendations were + $5 for overseas postage) contact that the Network should approach the John Sawyer, Secretary of the Diversity and Conservation of Georgian Millennium Seed Bank in London (UK) as New Zealand Plant Conservation Orchids M. Akhalkatsi, M. Kimeridze, a strategic partner in establishing an ex Network, Department of S. Künkele, R. Lorenz, M. Mosulishvili situ repository for native seed, promote Conservation, P.O. Box 5086, (M. Gvritishvili ed), 2003 GSNE utilisation of a percentage of threatened Wellington, New Zealand. ‘Orchis’. E-mail: [email protected], plants in all revegetation programmes Tel: +64 (0) 4 472 5821, Internet: www.itic.org.ge/orchis and undertake a stock take of the E-mail: [email protected], current ex situ status of threatened Internet: www.nzpcn.org.nz species at botanic and private gardens and existing ex situ projects. The background to the recommendations included ideas on political involvement, Orchid project in Georgia strengthening botanic gardens, income streams, private collections, volunteers The Georgian Society of Nature and guidelines to ensure genetically Explorers – Orchids (GSNE ‘Orchis’) representative collections are has received support from BP established. (international energy company) to protect and conserve the native For Target 14 of the GSPC (Promoting orchids of Georgia through BP’s education and awareness about plant ‘Ecology in Harmony’ programme. diversity – the importance of plant Almost all native orchid species in diversity and the need for its Georgia are threatened due to extreme conservation incorporated into human impact. A book has been

30 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) Book Notices

Edward O. Guerrant Jr., Kayri Havens and recommendations notably an urgent need Claire L. Brown, Fiona Hall and Jeanette Mill Mike Maunder (eds), 2004 for investment in infrastructure and (eds), 2003 Ex Situ Plant Conservation Supporting horticultural skills. This Part provides Plant Conservation: approaches and Species Survival in the Wild practical guidelines for genetic sampling, techniques from an Australian perspective Island Press, Covelo, U.S.A. 424 pp. ISBN seed storage and the management of Australian Network for Plant Conservation, 1-55963-875-3 (paperback) ISBN 1 55963 collections. Canberra, Australia. ISBN 0 646 42202 2 874 5 (hardback) Price: US$ 40.00 Price: AUS$ 50.00 plus postage Australia (paperback), US$ 80.00 (hardback) plus It has a Foreword by Peter H. Raven, AUS$ 10.00, International AUS$ 20.00. postage US$ 6.75. Director of Missouri Botanical Garden and To order a copy, contact the Australian For further information and orders contact has been supported by the Society for Network for Plant Conservation, the Island Press, Dept. 3AU, P.O. Box 7, Ecological Restoration International, the GPO Box 1777, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Covelo, CA, U.S.A. Tel: +1 707 983 6432, Island Press and the Center for Plant Australia. Tel: +61 2 6250 9509, (1-800-828-1302 U.S.A.), Conservation. Fax: +61 2 6250 9528, Fax: +1 707 983 6414, E-mail: [email protected], E-mail: [email protected] or Willis, C.K. (ed), 2004 Internet: http://www.anbg.gov.au/anpc [email protected], African Botanic Gardens Congresss Internet: www.islandpress.org ‘Partnerships and Linkages’ Proceedings of The Manual contains 39 chapters written by a congress held at Durban Botanic Gardens, specialists from across Australia, and This book has been eagerly awaited since South Africa, 24-29 November 2002 overseas. The manual is based on the series the conference held in the Chicago Botanic Southern African Botanical Diversity Network of training courses that the Australian Garden in 1999, entitled “Strategies for Report 22 Network for Plant Conservation (ANPC) has Survival: Ex Situ Plant Conservation” on Southern African Botanical Diversity run to date, and covers a comprehensive which it is based. It is essential reading for Network (SABONET), Pretoria, South Africa. range of topics to be considered when all botanic gardens whether they have 202 pp. ISBN 1 919976 04 3. Copies are undertaking conservation and rehabilitation formal conservation programmes or not. free of charge. In English and French. of plant communities. The modules in the manual are: 1. Principles and Ethics of Ex situ plant conservation is often seen as For copies contact the SABONET Conservation, 2. Conservation Instruments irrelevant to in situ conservation which is Coordinator, c/o National Botanical Institute, and Initiatives, 3. Getting Started: regarded as the highest priority. There are Private Bag X101, Pretoria 0001, Information for Conservation, 4. also many problems, practical, scientific and South Africa. Tel: +27 12 804 3200, Conservation in the Field, 5. Rehabilitation ethical. This book addresses these Fax: +27 12 804 5979, and Translocation, 6. Monitoring and problems and shows that properly managed E-mail: [email protected], Adaptive Management, 7. Ecological off-site collections can make a critical Internet: www.sabonet.org. Communities, 8. Propagating Threatened difference between extinction and survival Flora for Conservation, 9. Cryptogams, 10. and moreover that ex situ conservation is a These Proceedings provide a status report Training, 11. References and Resources. responsibility of botanic gardens. Sir and Strategic Framework and Action Plan Each chapter includes context boxes, Ghillean Prance, in the introduction also for the African Botanic Gardens Network up glossaries, key reading, cross referencing, emphasizes the important role of botanic to 2010, as well as the Network reference lists and web sites. gardens in conservation in response to the Management Structure, as approved during The material may be copied for personal use challenges of today’s world. the Congress. The status report was and published for educational purposes, provided by the review articles and needs of provided that any extracts are fully Part I discusses the role of ex situ the gardens in each region: Eastern, Central, acknowledged. It would be a very useful conservation in integrated conservation Western, Northern and Southern African resource for anyone organising training programmes and the scientific rigour with some case studies on specific gardens courses on plant conservation techniques or required for the collection, storage and use and projects and recommendations from the plant conservation modules of degree of the collections. These papers cover pre-congress workshops on plant collecting courses. Australia posseses a unique flora philosophical and ethical concerns with techniques, Red Data Lists and botanic and Australian scientists and networks have examples of integrated conservation in gardens and environmental education and developed unique tools for conservation Western Australia and the United States and interpretation in botanic gardens. which are an inspiration to the world wide a chapter on lessons from zoos. Part II plant conservation community. reviews the ‘Tools of the trade’ from The Proceedings also include the background horticulture, seed and pollen to tissue papers on the International Agenda for culture. One of the main criticisms of ex situ Botanic Gardens in Conservation; its key role collections for conservation is that the for African Botanic Gardens (Peter Wyse samples of growing plant, tissues or seed Jackson, BGCI), the Southern African are subject to genetic modification; Part III Botanical Diversity Network (Stefan Siebert, reviews the effect of selection pressures of SABONET), the Millennium Seed Bank Project the horticultural and storage environment (Clare Tenner, RBG, Kew) and the Global and provides practical steps to mitigate Strategy for Plant Conservation and it's these pressures. Part IV assesses the role relevance to African botanical gardens (Stella of ex situ plant conservation for stemming Simiyu, BGCI-CBD). the loss of biodiversity and makes practical

BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) • 31-32 31 Please register your contribution to the International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation

International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation Registration Form

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32 BGjournal • Vol 1 (1) Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) PUBLICATIONS LIST 2003

TITLE PRICE (£/US$) POSTAGE Member of Non-member U.K. Europe Rest of World BGCI of BGCI (2nd class) Economy Standard 7-14 days 14-21 days

POLICY Global Strategy for Plant Conservation CBD Secretariat, 2003 Free Free £1.00 £1.00 £2.00/$3.00 International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation £6.00 £9.00 £1.00 £1.00 £2.00 Wyse Jackson & Sutherland (eds, 2000) English, French or Spanish versions $9.00 $13.50 $3.00

ACTION PLANS Action Plan for Botanic Gardens in the European Union £4.50 £6.50 £1.00 £1.00 £2.00 Cheney et al. (comp & eds, 2000) English or French versions $7.00 $10.00 $3.00 Conservation Action Plan for Botanic Gardens of the Caribbean Islands £4.00 £5.50 £1.00 £1.00 £2.00 Burbidge & Wyse Jackson (eds, 1998) $6.00 $7.00 $3.00

MANUALS The Darwin Technical Manual for Botanic Gardens £10.00 £14.00 £2.00 £3.00 £5.00 Leadlay & Greene (eds, 1998) English, French or Spanish versions $14.00 $19.50 $7.00 A Handbook for Botanic Gardens on the Reintroduction of Plants to the Wild £3.50 £5.00 £1.00 £1.00 £1.00 Akeroyd & Wyse Jackson (eds, 1995) $5.00 $7.00 $1.50 A CITES Manual for botanic gardens £3.50 £5.00 £1.00 £1.00 £1.00 Akeroyd, McGough & Wyse Jackson (eds, 1994) English or Spanish versions $5.00 $7.00 $1.50

PROCEEDINGS European Botanic Gardens - studies in conservation and education £5.00 £8.00 £1.00 £1.00 £2.00 (papers from the Eurogard 2000 Congress) Hobson (ed, 2003) CD-ROM $7.00 $12.00 $3.00 Plants, People and Planet Earth - the role of botanic gardens in £5.00 £8.00 £1.00 £1.00 £2.00 sustainable living - (5th International Botanic Gardens Conservation $7.00 $12.00 $3.00 Congress) Davis & Scott (comp, 2001) CD-ROM Conservation into the 21st Century (4th International Botanic Gardens £30.00 $42.00 including postage for members or non-members of BGCI Conservation Congress) Touchell et al. (eds, 1997 Botanic Gardens in a Changing World (3rd International Botanic Gardens £5.00 £8.00 £1.00 £1.00 £2.00 Conservation Congress) Hobson (ed, 1996) diskette $7.00 $12.00 $3.00

EDUCATION Environmental Education in Botanic Gardens: Guidelines for developing £3.50 £5.00 £1.00 £1.00 £1.00 individual strategies Willison (ed, 1994) $5.00 $7.00 $1.50 Teaching for the 21st Century (3rd International Congress on Education in £10.00 £14.00 £2.00 £2.00 £3.50 Botanic Gardens) Hobson & Willison (eds, 2001) $14.00 $19.50 $5.00 Teaching for the 21st Century diskette £5.00 £8.00 £1.00 £1.00 £2.00 $7.00 $12.00 $3.00

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