More networking, more local success in plant conservation

Abstract

Our actual activities in plant conservation are very obvious: we want to restore long-term and healthy populations of species and conservation experts need the results to be more effective on the field, in practice and measure the indicator values of restoration or reintroduction. The key points of the network are the wide membership status of the members: more than 70 institutes of about 40 countries have been involved in the activities of the network during 23 years. The positions of the members are also very wide: from the practical conservationist to the high academic researchers there are several members from every age. The thematic plan and the programmes are coordinated by the advisor board and the steering committee members. The biennial conference is the most important forum of the network where the thematic programme presents research results from all areas of wild plant conservation activities mainly from Europe but sometimes there are presentations from other areas, too. Art exhibitions, photo competition of wild plants, education and volunteer activities can be presented during the conferences, which have been organised 8 times until now. The main purpose of the network is to make every personal effort visible which has been done for wild plant protection in Pan European countries. The authors of the presentation give a cross section of the European Strategy for Plant Conservation (ESPCS) which was the first initiative to define a vision for European plant conservation beyond 2010 and the importance of publishing its review in 2018, as a relevant background for the upcoming drafting process of new agendas for the next decade 2020-2030. This Strategy brought coordination and a clear focus to a wide range of issues, focusing on many activities which existed or were planned to halt the loss of plant diversity in Europe. The targets have been developed by the Planta Europa Network and the Council of Europe in partnership with other related conservation organisations. . The number of species, the number of endemic species for a certain area, the data deficient areas must be public and visible as many other data. But it is also important to share national projects, databases and online national flora sites, to promote local ex situ plant nurseries or share field experiences to work effectively for plant conservation. The results of Planta Europa conferences and meetings which were published in print and online are also representative examples for effective plant conservation.

1. Planta Europa (2008) : A Sustainable Future for Europe; the European Strategy for Plant Conservation 2008-2014. Plantlife International and the Council of Europe ISBN: 1-904749-91-7.

2. Hamilton, A. Hamilton, P. (2013): Plant Conservation: An Ecosystem Approach:People and plants conservation series. Earthscan, London.