Global Strategy for Plant Conservation

In April 2002, the Global Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted a Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). The strategy was groundbreaking in that it was the first time that the CBD set quantitative, although non-binding, conservation targets and a deadline for their attainment (2010). The GSPC is therefore one of the outstanding achievements of the worldwide conservation movement.While the entry point for the strategy is plant conservation, other aspects such as sustainable use of plants, benefit-sharing and capacity building are also included.
The strategy targets are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Understanding and documenting plant diversity:
(i) A widely accessible working list of known plant species, as a step towards a complete world flora;
(ii) A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of all known plant species, at national, regional and international levels;
(iii) Development of models with protocols for plant conservation and sustainable use, based on research and practical experience;

(b) Conserving plant diversity:
(iv) At least 10 per cent of each of the world’s ecological regions effectively conserved;
(v) Protection of 50 per cent of the most important areas for plant diversity assured;
(vi) At least 30 per cent of production lands managed consistent with the conservation of plant diversity;
(vii) 60 per cent of the world’s threatened species conserved in situ;
(viii) 60 per cent of threatened plant species in accessible ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and 10 per cent of them included in recovery and restoration programmes;
(ix) 70 per cent of the genetic diversity of crops and other major socio-economically valuable plant species conserved, and associated indigenous and local knowledge maintained;
(x) Management plants in place for at least 100 major alien species that threaten plants, plant communities and associated habitats and ecosystems;

(c) Using plant diversity sustainably:
(xi) No species of wild flora endangered by international trade;
(xii) 30 per cent of plant-based products derived from sources that are sustainably managed;
(xiii) The decline of plant resources, and associated indigenous and local knowledge, innovations and practices that support sustainable livelihoods, local food security and health care, halted;

(d) Promoting education and awareness about plant diversity:
(xiv) The importance of plant diversity and the need for its conservation incorporated into communication, education and public-awareness programmes;

(e) Building capacity for the conservation of plant diversity:
(xv) The number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation increased, according to national needs, to achieve the targets of this Strategy;
(xvi) Networks for plant conservation activities established or strengthened at national, regional and international levels; 

These targets provide a framework for policy formulation and a basis for monitoring. National targets developed within this framework may vary from country to country, according to national priorities and capacities taking in to account differences in plant diversity. 

Key targets for arable plant conservation

The two targets that are most relevant to arable plant conservation through Stewardship and also the Important Arable Plant Area work are:

(v) Protection of 50 per cent of the most important areas for plant diversity assured;

(vi) At least 30 per cent of production lands managed consistent with the conservation of plant diversity;