Global strategy for plant conservation conference to take place at the Missouri Botanical Garden

This conference, titled "Supporting the worldwide implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation," is organized by the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation (GPPC) in association with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). The conference is expected to attract a wide range of participants to share their experiences and further the development of plant conservation action in this the U.N. Decade of Biological Diversity.

"The adoption of the updated Global Strategy for Plant Conservation in 2010 provided a new challenge for the world to halt the loss of plants by the year 2020," said Missouri Botanical Garden President Peter Wyse Jackson. "If we are to be successful in this work, we need to be clear about our individual priorities and responsibilities."

In October 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, the 10th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a decision incorporating a consolidated update of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) from 2011 through 2020, including 16 targets for plant conservation to be achieved by 2020. The role of the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation is recognized by by the CBD in supporting GSPC implementation worldwide; the conference at the Garden aims to help guide future plant conservation priorities.

The conference will assist in efforts made to expand and evaluate progress in implementing the GSPC from 2002 to 2010 and how these experiences can support enhanced implementation over the coming decade. Examples will be shared from around the world on GSPC implementation, particularly during the period 2002 to 2010, to provide guidance and support for national and regional GSPC implementation entering into the new phase. Sharing experiences will assist those that are setting national targets for plant conservation or using the GSPC and CBD Strategic Plan to provide a flexible framework for their efforts in plant conservation at all levels.

Attendees will support the ongoing efforts to consider and develop further the technical rationales, milestones and indicators for the GSPC up to 2020 and synchronize with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. In addition, attendees will help evaluate a draft GSPC toolkit that is being prepared to support GSPC implementation at all levels prior to its submission for review by the Convention.

The conference will also provide an opportunity for strategic discussion on mainstreaming plant conservation in national development agendas, such as including links to the implementation of the CBD's Strategic Plan as well as providing guidance and suggestions for countries that are updating National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to include the targets of the GSPC.

Finally, the conference aims to build leadership amongst the participating organizations for monitoring and delivery of the GSPC targets going forward.

"I have no doubt that this conference will help to set a working agenda for many participating organizations worldwide," said Wyse Jackson.

With scientists working on six continents in 35 countries around the globe, the Missouri Botanical Garden has one of the three largest plant science programs in the world, along with The New York Botanical Garden and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (outside London). The Garden focuses its work on areas that are rich in biodiversity yet threatened by habitat destruction, and operates the world's most active research and training programs in tropical botany. Garden scientists collaborate with local institutions, schools and indigenous peoples to understand plants, create awareness, offer alternatives and craft conservation strategies. The Garden is striving for a world that can sustain us without sacrificing prosperity for future generation, a world where people share a commitment to manage biological diversity for the common benefit.

Provided by Missouri Botanical Garden