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.Plantlife International is committed to the full implementation of the GSPC with a specific focus, internationally, on targets 5 and 13.

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Target 5 - Conserving plant diversity

Protection of 50 per cent of the most important areas for plant diversity assured. Plantlife International and IUCN - The World Conservation Union are lead partners for the implementation of target 5 of the GSPC. More about the Plantlife International Important Plant Area (IPA) programme can be found here.

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Target 13- Using plant diversity sustainably

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. Plantlife is carrying out an ambitious agenda on the sustainable use of wild plant resources in its Plants and Livelihoods Programme.

IPA identification and protection also helps implement the CBD articles 6, 7 and 8 on biodiversity strategies and in-situ conservation. The IPA national networks of local experts, field workers and volunteers also support the implementation of articles 12 and 13 on national and international co-operation.

Plantlife International also contributes to the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation, which was established to support the implementation of the GSPC.

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