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A Vital Role for Zoo Educators: the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and You!

Sarah Kneebone, Education Officer, BGCI

Abstract

Plants are a vital part of the worlds’ biodiversity and an essential resource for human well-being. They play a key role in maintaining basic ecosystem functions and are essential for the survival of the world’s animal life. Yet, despite our reliance on plants, a crisis point has been reached – it is thought that between 60,000 – 100,000 plant species are threatened worldwide.

In 2002 a Global Strategy for Plant Conservation was legally adopted by all governments who are signatories of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Using a clear set of targets it provides a framework for actions to bring about plant conservation, sustainable use, benefit-sharing and capacity building at global, regional, national and local levels with the ultimate goal to halt the loss of plant diversity.

Target 14 of the strategy involves 'Promoting education and public awareness about plant diversity: The importance of plant diversity and the need for its conservation incorporated into communication, educational and public-awareness programmes'. Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is the lead organisation for Target 14 and has been working on consultations to produce targets and milestones for its achievement. As zoos and zoo educators are one of the major stakeholders within the biodiversity education field BGCI is anxious to gain their input.

Click here to find out more and download the GSPC

How zoo educators are already supporting the targets of the GSPC

What is the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation?

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) is a document which outlines a series of targets through which the ultimate aim of halting the current and continuing loss of plant diversity can be achieved. The strategy provides a framework to ‘facilitate harmony between existing initiatives aimed at plant conservation, to identify gaps where new initiatives are required, and to promote mobilization of the necessary resources.’ Its mission is to ‘be a tool to enhance the ecosystem approach for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and focus on the vital role of plants in the structure and functioning of ecological systems’ (GSPC 2002).

Where did the GSPC come from?

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation started out as an initiative from the Botanical Congress in St Louis 1999, which called for plant conservation to be recognised as an urgent international priority. Following this, interested parties met in Gran Canaria, Spain, and produced a declaration. The declaration was presented to the CBD, who then agreed that a specific strategy for plant conservation was needed. The initial production of the Global Strategy was in conjunction with many national and international organisations, such as World Conservation Union (IUCN), International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), WWF, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. (UNESCO) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI),

What are the aims of the GSPC?

The specific aims of the GSPC can be grouped into five main themes;

• “Understanding and documenting plant diversity, through databases, monitoring of populations research.
• “Conserving plant diversity, with both in-situ and ex-situ programmes, with special attention to conservation of species with direct importance to human societies.
• “Using plant diversity sustainably, involving trafficking controls and supporting the fair and equitable sharing of benefits
• “Promoting education and awareness about plant diversity
• “Building capacity for the conservation of plant diversity, through networking and enhancing infrastructure and human resources.” (GSPC 2002)
  

The strategy outlines the different aspects of these aims in a series of 16 targets. Each of these is explained with terms and technical rationale.

It is the achievement of these targets and themes which will lead to the ultimate goal – to halt the current and continuing loss of plant diversity.

Why is the GSPC different from any other policy document from the Convention on Biological Diversity?

• It involves a unique integration of national and international initiatives specifically related to plant conservation.
• The most innovative element of the strategy is the inclusion of 16 outcome-orientated targets, aimed at achieving a series of measurable goals by 2010. This is the first time that such target have been adopted under the Convention. (H. Zedan, 2003)
• The GSPC is recognised as an innovative model approach to target setting for the CBD.

Who is involved with the implementation of the GSPC?

Each target has been ‘adopted’ by one or more organisations as a lead partner to arrange a series of consultations to agree on subtargets, practical measure and milestones for their particular target. These lead partners are: WWF, BGCI, CITIES, Plant Life International, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, People and Plants International, World Conservation Union (IUCN), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre and the Global Invasive Species Programme

Why would the GSPC be relevant to Zoos?

Many of the targets which have been agreed on and are undergoing consultation are particularly pertinent to zoos, both in their own conservation work, the way they run and the messages that they give out to the general public. If your zoo has any sort of habitat, species-based or eco-system based conservation or education programme, for example the 2001 – 2002 Rainforest campaign led by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), then you are already actively supporting the aims and objectives of the GSPC. Likewise, if your zoo is involved with national plant collections, training of horticulturalists, conservation research, is a member of any conservation networks, or teaches about indigenous knowledge and local traditions, its work forms a valuable contribution towards the fulfilment of the GSPC.

Particular targets which may be the most applicable to zoos are;
Target 4: At least 10% of each of the world’s ecological regions effectively conserved
Target 8: 60% of threatened plant species in accessible ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and 10% of them included in recovery and restoration programmes.
Target 10: Management plans in place of at least 100 major alien species that threaten pants, plant communicates and associated habitats and ecosystems.
Target 11: No species of wild flora endangered by international trade
Target 13: 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.
Target 14: The importance of plant diversity and the need for its conservation incorporated into communication, educational and public-awareness programmes.
Target 15: The number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation increased, according to national needs, to achieve the targets of this strategy.
Target 16: Networks for plants conservation activities established or strengthened at national, regional and international levels.

But are these targets are relevant to zoo educators?

Many of the targets mentioned above also have relevance to zoo educators through their vital work; raising awareness about conservation issues to the general public. Targets 14, 15 and 16 are all ‘cross-cutting’ – they are achieved as part of all other targets within the strategy. Naturally however, it is Target 14, the “incorporation of the importance of plant diversity into public awareness programs” which is of greatest interest to educators, whether in zoos, botanic gardens, museums or any other environmental education facility. As the Global Strategy has been adopted as part of the CBD by the original CBD signatories, this makes it a legal document. Supporting work towards achieving these targets is therefore a legal obligation by the signatory countries – this could have interesting implications for future funding of zoo educators’ programmes!

So, we’ve got the targets, what now?

The next step of the process is to work out exactly how the targets are to be implemented, identifying their component parts so that activities and milestones can be suggested to set up projects and measure their achievement. The GSPC targets are subject to continual consultation as part of the decision making process leading to definite conservation results. Lead partners for each target coordinate consultations with relevant stakeholders who propose practical suggestions for taking the GSPC forward. These lead partners meet regularly to report on progress within their consultations, whether these are local, national or international. For example, IUCN and Plantlife international are working on a proposal for the implementation of Targets 2 and 5. They plan to submit this proposal for funding to the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).

Zoos are relevant stakeholders for many of the GSPC targets. It is important for zoos to contact the relevant lead organisations and CBD focal points in their countries to express their commitment to this process.

What is happening with Target 14?

The inclusion of this target into the GSPC means that it focuses people on the inclusion of plants – their conservation, diversity and importance, into environmental education. Through such education, the message of the importance of plants for our existence can be transmitted to the general public. Creating active support for plant conservation by empowering the general public through increased knowledge, appreciation and understanding of plants is a vital aspect of the GSPC. As with many conservation issues, the support of the masses is critical to its success.

There has been some consultation on Target 14 so far:

• It has been sent to major international organisations
• Workshops in have been held in Romania, New Zealand and Canada by local plant conservation networks.
• There has been consultation by BGEN – Botanic Gardens Education Network
• A workshop at the 2nd World Botanic Gardens Congress, April 2004 discussed practicalities of national sub targets

The sub targets that have been under consultation are:

• Sub target 1:
  A national survey carried out to determine general level of awareness of plant diversity and conservation
• Sub target 2:
  A framework for the implementation of Target 14 by the end of 2005
• Sub target 3
  Analysis of how education and communication instruments can be used to support the implementation of all targets of the GSPC
  For more information, or to offer suggestions or feedback on these subtargets please contact julia.willison@bgci.org.

The beauty of Target 14 is that anyone involved with environmental education, formal (i.e. schools) and informal, for all age groups, can play an active role in its achievement. This also means that there are many people, including zoo educators, who are already doing so. We currently have lots of case studies on our website and published in Roots, our education review, but we need more to include on the website to inspire others – so let us know what you are doing!

Examples include:

• India – the multiplier effect was used in teacher training about the importance of plants in their daily lives. So far this project has involved about 1200 teachers, trained up by an initial 180. As a result of this, the message is reaching over 50,000 children in southern India.
• Africa – the Southern Cape Herbarium organised a wildflower show and mobile exhibition to set up near schools which cannot afford transportation costs. The project involved 2500 children in environmental games and activities.
• Mexico – UNAM Botanic Garden set up a cookery competition encouraging people to cook with local plants, which had been considered as weeds by local people. Entries from all over the country came to the garden to take part. The competition resulted in the production of a cookery book.

What is BGCI’s commitment to Target 14?

The lead partner for Target 14 consultations is Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). To meet our responsibility in this, so far BGCI;

• Has held international stakeholder consultation with BGCI garden members and educators, botanic garden networks, IUCN CEC, WWF, UNESCO, CBD secretariat, UNEP, DEFRA, and hopefully now IZE! The results of these consultations are currently being analysed, please contact julia.willison@bgci.org for more details.
• Is supporting a series of national workshops on Target 14 – providing funding for interested parties to run national workshops involving stakeholders involved in environmental education, for example, national parks, museums, education curriculum advisers, etc. Grants are still available to interested parties, please contact BGCI for details.
• Is assisting in the development of botanic garden education programmes in Argentina, Brazil, China, India and Indonesia by providing funding, training and continuing support and resources such as manuals.
• Shall be publishing and announcing consultation results and recommendations of the expert meetings, through Roots (the biannual education review), and this website.
• Has set up an education website, disseminating information about education programmes, case studies, background theory, guidelines and resources.
• Has developed a ‘Plants for Life’ poster campaign and website aimed at reaching the general public through our members. Copies of these posters are available from us for just the cost of postage, again please get in contact.

What are the implications for zoos?

There are many aspects of work for the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation that zoos and zoo educators can become involved with and use to their advantage;

• Supporting the development of education programmes to implement Target 14.
• Developing the capacity of all staff to implement Target 14 – as capacity building is part of GSPC anyway.
• Ensuring that educators are represented in workshops concerned with the implementation of other GSPC targets
• Becoming involved with stakeholder meetings within their country – let their voices be heard!
• Working with CEPA to implement Target 14 (e.g. publicise the work of zoos, act as an advisory body)

CEPA is the Communication, Education and Public Awareness programme, created by the CBD to address Article 13, i.e. education about biodiversity. One part of the programme is the CEPA portal, its website address is
http://www.biodiv.org/programmes/outreach/cepa/home.shtml

The CEPA website contains:

• Tools to help you identify sources of information on current activities related to the programme of work for the global initiative
• A report of the activities by the Secretariat in fulfilment of Decision VI/19
• A database of the Case Studies and Best Practices relating to the Global Initiative on CEPA
• Lists of those partner organizations to the global initiative on CEPA and access to their web sites.
• Access to a roster of experts on CEPA from around the world
• A report of the activities by Parties in fulfilment of Decision VI/19
• A browseable list of useful web sites on Communication, Education and Public Awareness.

What about zoo horticulturalists – can they do anything for the GSPC?

Some zoo horticulturalists are already using the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation to plan and focus their work within a zoo. Eddie Mole, of Bristol Zoological Gardens (BZG) says that “GSPC has already made a difference to our plans in a comparatively short time….. the GSPC has focused our attention and is a valuable developmental and motivational tool”. So far this year he has publicized GSPC to the UK and European Zoo Horticulture community and publicised the GSPC’s merits through articles for the UK Zoo Federation, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and UK Zoo Plant Group. BZG has taken part in a DEFRA (UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Consultative Forum on Non-Native Species Policy in Bristol and contributed at the UK Plantnet (botanic garden network) response to the GSPC meeting. They are also planning their first new plant exhibit, a biodiversity garden in line with their new GSPC influenced strategy. The GSPC offers an excellent opportunity for zoo horticulturalists and educators to share knowledge and understanding; working together for a common aim.

Conclusions

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation is an ambitious and important agreement with the overall aim to stop the loss of plant biodiversity. In order to achieve this goal, many organisations and stakeholders are needed to work together, focussing their conservation efforts on their targets set. With their plant collections, existing conservation work, education programmes and huge numbers of visitors, zoos have an important role to play in the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Zoo educators in particular can do, and may already be doing, this with their education provision. We are keen for zoos to become more involved in the consultations and stakeholder processes currently taking place and for zoo educators to take the ideas and implications of the GSPC back to their organisations for further consideration and action.

For any more information on the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation contact BGCI.

References

Mole, E. (2004) ‘The GSPC’s influence on planning at Bristol Zoo Gardens.’ In Press.

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2002) “Global Strategy for Plant Conservation”

Van Boven, G., Hesselink, F. (2002) Mainstreaming Biological Diversity; The role of communication, education and Public Awareness, IUCN

Wyse Jackson, P. (2003) The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation: Power Point Presentation, unpublished.

Wyse Jackson, P. (2003), Progress in the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Botanic Gardens Conservation News, vol. 3, no. 10

Wyse Jackson, P. (2001), Progress towards a global strategy for Plant Conservation, Botanic Gardens Conservation News, vol. 3, no. 6