State of the CPC – A Vision for Global Rare Plant and Ecosystem Conservation

The conservation of thousands of species of rare plants around the world is a daunting and challenging undertaking. Through its 73-strong network of Participating Institutions, botanical gardens, arboretums, and other institutions, the Center for Plant Conservation has created the National Collection Initiative as a model for securing seed and other genetic material of rare plants in peril.

This initiative includes:

1. The identification of imperiled populations and the collection of seeds and other samples for ex situ preservation.

2. The management of those collections for preservation, research on viability, germination, and growing.

3. Building the capacity to use the seed banks to grow and bulk the living collections to produce more seeds and seedlings and their use in reintroduction, translocation, and restoration projects.

The National Collection initiative is building a mechanism for the long-term funding of some of these activities, including a species sponsorship program, significant grants for collecting seeds and specimens, and advancing research and training in the maintenance and strengthening of existing seed banks. The model, currently in operation in North America, has the potential to provide a sustainable and long-term model for the protection of imperiled flora around the world. Two signature projects in California and Florida are developing broad partnerships with conservation organizations and CPC partners for advancing knowledge and conservation activities for the state’s rare plants.