Conservation

Question 1

Principles for successful conservation?

Answer 1

• politicians must be involved in conservation
• local people must take ownership of the problems
• individuals can make difference
• pragmatic compromises will be required
• the managed wild is good
• defeatism is a self-fulfilling prophecy but it is not an option
• biology is neither black or white

Question 2

Objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

Answer 2

1. Conservation of biological diversity
2. Sustainable use of its components
3. Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources

Most of the world signed it, except US and a few smaller countries.

Main objective was to halt the current/continuing loss of plant diversity.

Question 3

Objectives of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC)?

Answer 3

16 outcome orientated targets to be achieved by a set date

First internationally agreed targets in biodiversity conservation.

Linked science to social and economic issues, increasing communnication.

Met just under half of the targets by 2010.

Question 4

Targets for the GSPC?

Answer 4

Plant diversity is sufficiently understood and documented to enable a sustainable future:

1. Plant diversity is sufficiently understood and documented to enable a sustainable future.

2 Assessment of the conservation status of all known plants. Figure out a global and a local view (4 categories).

3. Develop and share information, research and methods necessary to implement the strategy.

Plant diversity is urgently and effectively conserved:

4. At least 15% of each ecological region secured through effective management. Focus on each ecosystem type.
5. Protection of at least 75% of the most important areas for plant diversity
6. At least 75% of threatened species conserved in situ. Remove the original threat.
7. 70% of genetic diversity of crops conserved, and associated local knowledge maintained.

Plant diversity is used in a sustainable and equitable manner:

8. No species of wild flora endangered by international trade

Promotion of education and awareness about plant diversity:

9. Incorporate the importance of plant diversity and the need for its conservation into communication, education and public awareness programmes.

To develop the capacities and public engagement necessary to implement this plan

10. Increase the number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation.
11. Networks for plant conservation activities established/strengthened.

Question 5

Benefits and disadvantages of seed banks?

Answer 5

\+large gene bank 
\+simple daily maintenance 
\+protected from stochastic environmental threats 
\+space efficient 
\+centres of expertise and research 
\+opportunities for twinning/support 
\+focus for raising awareness 
\+donor friendly 

• ongoing, expensive technical maintenance
• other biotic factors absent
• genetic drift and selection
• not all species are suitable
• ambiguous educational message

Question 6

Common characters of alien invasive species?

Answer 6

1. Large annual seed production
2. Long term seed viability in the soil seed bank
3. Self compatible or non specific pollinator
4. Vegetative propagation
5. Rapid growth
6. Long distance seed dispersal
7. Smothering leaf canopy
8. Very difficult to kill