plant conservation

Introduction:

Conservation of plant diversity assumes greater importance when the India is facing

Unprecedented loss of biological diversity.  As per an estimate about 60,000 out of 2, 87,655

Species of plants known in the world are facing the threat of extinction. 11,824 species were

Evaluated for their threat status as per the revised 1994 IUCN Red List Categories; of these 8321

Species are now on the IUCN Red List 2004 ( Govaerts 2002, IUCN 2004).  Oldfield et al. (1998)

Documented over 7300 tree species as globally threatened. 

.  The Botanic Gardens (BG) and other plants conservation Centre’s in India,

Thus play a very crucial role as Centers for rescue, recovery and rehabilitation of rare, endangered

And extinct prone species of plants and other valuable plant genetic resources.  The BGs also play

Important role in education and as a Centre of training in areas such as horticulture, gardening,

Landscaping, ex-situ conservation and environmental awareness.

Plant conservation strategy

1)     Development of models with protocols for plant conservation and sustainable use, based on research and practical experience

2)     Networks for plant conservation activities established or strengthened at national, regional and international levels

3)     Establish seed banks, arboreta and mist propagation facilities.

4)     Promote education and public awareness in respect of above said plants ; and Reintroduce said plants in natural habitats in collaboration with State Forest

5)     The State Government’s nominated Departments will make sufficient budgetary provision for maintenance of the Botanical Garden/Sections during and after implementation of the project Role of Botanical Survey of India (BSI)Division.

6)     Technical inputs for collection and propagation of species..

7)     Collection of seeds and sapling of rare plants,

8)     Information for signage’s.

9)     Periodical inspection, monitoring and suggestions of midterm corrections, if required.

10) Prepare and print Handbook for each photo-geographic zone listing most rare species.#

Source: Indian journal of traditional knowledge vol. 8(1), January, pp 29-34