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BGCI Climate Change Initiatives

1. Understanding the conservation status of the world’s trees

In 1998, a survey of the conse

The stunning Magnolia wilsonii. Despite being a vital medicinal,  it is one of the world's most threated trees.

rvation status of the world’s tree species estimated that ten per cent were threatened with extinction, mainly as a result of habitat destruction and over-exploitation. Given deforestation rates since then and the importance of trees in mitigating climate change, BGCI believes it is necessary to revalidate this data.  Using the previous survey as a baseline, BGCI plans to deliver an up-to-date assessment of the status of the world’s trees to lay bare how climate change and conservation action have impacted threatened tree species over the last decade.  This new assessment will include current distribution maps for all endangered species as a means to monitor the future impacts of climate change on these species.

This updated Red List of tree species will allow:
• Identification of missing endangered species in botanic garden and arboreta collections;
• Targeted action to conserve priority species both wild and in cultivation.

2. Conserving plant diversity for the future

In view of climate change, it is clear that many species of wild plants will go extinct in the wild within the next century.  An urgent priority therefore is to ensure the conservation of as many species as possible as an insurance policy for the future.  Botanic garden collections presently contain up to a third of all known plant species, but gaps still remain.

Using our database of plants in cultivation around the world and a range of available plant Red Lists, BGCI will identify endangered species that are missing in collections. We will then work with our botanic garden members and partners to improve the conservation collections of endangered and vulnerable species, thus developing a robust, worldwide network of plant conservation centres.  

This survey of botanic garden collections will also allow us to identify particular collections of key species that can be developed as propagation centres focused on the restoration of threatened species in the wild.

3. Forest restoration in a changing climate

Climate is a major factor influencing the distribution of plant species and vegetation patterns.  However, we know that the greater the diversity of a habitat, the greater its resilience to climate change.  Therefore the design of restoration and reintroduction programmes must take into account climate change management options.  Botanic gardens, with their diverse collections and wide horticultural skills are well placed to play a key role in initiatives to restore and reintroduce threatened species to the wild

Given the importance of forests in climate change mitigation, BGCI plans to work with its partners on reintroduction initiatives that will restore diversity to forests, while at the same time securing the future of endangered trees in their original habitats.  We will focus on species that are valuable to local livelihoods and work with communities to develop sustainable solutions that ensure the long term conservation of the plant resources these people depend on.

4. An early warning system for plants and climate change

As BGCI’s Plants and climate change report highlights, there is a need to gather, analyse and disseminate the huge range of valuable information coming from current research and conservation action. Building on our existing sources of information and unique databases, BGCI therefore plans to develop a plants and climate change information and early warning system (EWS).  Acting as a bridge between academic research and practical conservation, the EWS will be implemented as an online, interactive portal through which conservationists, researchers and botanic gardens will be able to exchange information on:

• Mapping and predictions of current and future impacts of climate change;
• Priority species and areas for conservation action;
• Monitoring and observations of plant lifecycles;
• Developing accurate education and public awareness materials.

The EWS will be a unique resource that will inform and facilitate robust solutions to secure plant diversity in the face of climate change.

For more information on how to partner with BGCI on this initiative please contact Charlotte Case, on +44 (0) 2083325937 or charlotte.case@bgci.org