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BGCI Botany Conference Conservation Horticulture Talks
 February 24, 2024

Cartagena, Colombia Feb 2024

Notes from 3t: I have returned from the heart of Cartagena with renewed vigor and a treasure trove of insights. The Botanical Bridges Congress was not just a gathering; it was a clarion call to those of us dedicated to preserving the rich tapestry of plant diversity in the Caribbean and Central American region. This area, a cradle of unparalleled botanical wealth, hosts species that whisper the ancient tales of our planet’s green heritage, many of which find sanctuary nowhere else on Earth.

Yet, as we stand witness to the relentless threats of habitat destruction, invasive species encroachment, and the ever-looming specter of climate change, the urgency to act becomes ever more pressing. It is within this crucible of challenge that the power of collaboration shines through. The Congress underscored the indispensable role of forging and nurturing connections across the spectrum of institutions dedicated to plant conservation—a united front in the battle to protect our green legacy.

This year’s Botanical Bridges Congress, a testament to the collaborative spirit encouraged by the Caribbean and Central American Botanic Gardens Network (CCABGN) alongside past and present host organizations and the stalwart support of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), was a melting pot of ideas, strategies, and shared dreams. The partnership forged in 2019 between Naples Botanical Garden (NBG) and BGCI, further strengthened by the appointment of a dedicated coordinator in 2022, exemplifies the collective commitment to bolstering the botanic garden community’s role in our region’s conservation efforts.

My contribution to this grand dialogue was a presentation entitled “Resilience in the Face of Natural Disasters: Conservation Efforts and Challenges for Endangered Endemic Species at Eye On The Rainforest,” aimed at casting a spotlight on the critical yet often overlooked aspect of our work: the resilience and recovery of ecosystems in the aftermath of natural calamities, such as 2017’s Hurricane Maria, and 2022’s Hurricane Fiona. Sharing our experiences and lessons learned, we delve into the essence of what it means to protect and nurture the fragile bastions of biodiversity that are endemic species.

The congress was an extraordinary confluence of minds and missions, and my heart is full of gratitude for our gracious hosts, Santiago Madrinan and Maria Contreras, leaders of Jardín Botánico de Cartagena “Guillermo Piñeres, and their diligent and extremely fun team of students from the university. Their hospitality and meticulous planning set the stage for a truly impactful gathering. The food was spectacular!

3t with Santiago Madrinan and Maria Contreras
Team of students from the university


Special thanks are also due to Chad Washburn (NBG), Noelia Alvarez (BGCI), Lina Ramirez (BGCI), and Andrew Wyatt (Missouri Botanical Gardens), whose support made my participation possible, covering the logistical necessities that often pose barriers to sharing our voices and visions. Also, thanks to Patricia Malcolm (BGCI), who has been key in accepting our proposals for continued work with endangered endemic species in Puerto Rico.

Maria, Andrew, 3t, William
Lina Ramirez
Andrew Wyatt
Chad Washburn
Patricia Malcolm
Noelia Alvarez

As I reflect on the experiences of the past five days, the conversations, the learning, and the shared commitment to our cause, I am filled with hope. I have met some wonderful people here. Together, under the banner of #BotanicalBridges, we move forward, united in our dedication to plant conservation and the belief that, through collaboration, we can secure the future of our planet’s botanical wonders for generations to come.

Thank you all!!

BGCI Botany Conservation Horticulture
 February 22, 2024

Conservation in Patillas, Jan 2024

Garcinia portoricensis flower
Ravenia urbani flower


In the realm of botanical conservation, Thrity (3t) Vakil, serving as the director of Tropic Ventures Research & Education Foundation (TVREF), has been at the forefront of a significant project aimed at safeguarding endangered endemic tree species in Puerto Rico. Under her leadership, TVREF, in collaboration with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the Global Tree Campaign (GTC), embarked on an ambitious initiative to conserve two of Puerto Rico’s threatened endemic tree species: Palo de Cruz, Garcinia portoricensis (Clusiaceae) and Tortugo Prieto Ravenia urbani (Rutaceae).

The conservation project’s genesis can be traced back to 2021, when the Naples Botanical Garden in Florida secured a grant from the Association of Zoological Horticulture. This funding was pivotal for constructing a new tree nursery at Las Casas de la Selva in Patillas, Puerto Rico, addressing a critical need following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Maria in 2017, which decimated the existing tree nurseries. The partnership with BGCI and the GTC, formalized through a 2021 agreement, significantly enhanced the project’s scope and potential impact.

Garcinia portoricensis is growing in the nursery at Las Casas de la Selva. Dec 2023

3T brought together a world-class multidisciplinary team of specialists in various fields, including plant and tree sciences, ecology, agronomy, biology, taxonomy, bryology, pteridology, mycology, lepidoptery, lichenology, and zoology.

The team was tasked with advancing the project’s objectives within the 930-acre forest property in the southeast mountains of Puerto Rico, adjacent to the Carite State Forest, known as Las Casas de la Selva. This property, established in 1983, is recognized as a certified stewardship forest and operates under an approved forest stewardship management plan. It is designated as an auxiliary forest. The team also carried out botanical expeditions to other areas on the island of Puerto Rico.

Garcinia portoricensis fruit
Ravenia urbani fruit


The project, under 3T’s guidance, has updated conservation assessments, mapped populations, established an ex-situ collection, created propagation protocols, and will implement in-situ conservation programs. Educational initiatives targeting local schools and the development of an integrated action plan for national authorities are also key components of the project’s strategy.

3T’s leadership in this collaborative conservation effort stands as a testament to the potential for positive impact on the preservation of endangered endemic trees in Puerto Rico. As 2024 progresses, the collective efforts of TVREF, BGCI, NBG, GTC, and other partner organizations are poised to contribute significantly to the long-term survival of Garcinia portoricensis and Ravenia urbani, securing their legacy for future generations. January 2024

Thrity Vakil & Amelia Merced extracting seeds from the seed cases of Ravenia urbani

Links:

Securing the conservation of endemic trees in Puerto Rico

Eye on the Rainforest’s Conservation Endeavors in Puerto Rico | Botanic Gardens Conservation International (bgci.org)

Meet three Naples Botanical Garden partners to understand the environmental pressures they face, the ways in which they are striving to make a difference, and why NBG champions their causes. September 2021. Go to Pages 16-18, to read about the work we are doing with endangered endemics
Conserve Magazine Pages 16-18.pdf

BGCI Botany Conference Horticulture News
 February 21, 2024

Havana, Cuba, Nov 2023

3t at Mirador Loma el Mogote, NE Cuba

Conservation Horticulture workshop, Cuba

3t Vakil was invited to attend the November 2024 “Horticulture for Conservation” workshop in Havana, Cuba. Hosted at Havana’s National Botanical Garden, Jardín Botánico Nacional – UH -Cuba (JBN), this gathering united experts from Cuba, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States, creating fertile ground for collaboration.

The workshop was organized by the CSE/IUCN Cuban Plant Specialist Group, the National Network of Botanical Gardens of Cuba, and the Network of Botanical Gardens of the Caribbean and Central America, receiving support from several key organizations. These sponsors included the National Botanical Garden (JBN), the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve of the Bahamas, Botanic Gardens Conservation International, the Whitley Fund for Nature, and Planta – Plantlife Conservation Society, all highlighting the shared commitment to sustainable conservation practices.

For 3T, the event was a perfect match with our mission at Las Casas de la Selva, emphasizing horticulture’s role in conservation. It opened new avenues for innovative strategies and allowed us to form valuable connections with leading botanists and conservationists dedicated to preserving the Caribbean’s botanical heritage.

The diverse participation underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges. Sharing knowledge and resources, the workshop aimed to bolster the resilience of botanical gardens and conservation nurseries as centers for biodiversity and conservation education. 3T’s journey to Havana marked a significant stride towards building stronger botanical conservation networks. The collaborations formed and the insights gained promise to have a lasting impact on the conservation of the Caribbean’s botanical treasures. This workshop has not only reinforced the importance of unity in conservation efforts but also set the stage for future projects and innovations, paving the way for a greener Caribbean and beyond. Nov 2023

BGCI Education Nursery People of Las Casas de la Selva School Groups Volunteer Groups
 June 24, 2023

Montessori-Guillermo Riefkohl, Patillas, 25-26 May 2023

A Magical Night in the Rainforest : Endangered Species & An Unforgettable Experience for Students of Montessori-Guillermo Riefkohl, Patillas, 25th – 26th May 2023.

Deep in the heart of Patillas, located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, sits a Montessori school, Escuela Guillermo Riefkohl. Steeped in rich traditions, the school is not just an educational institution, but a place where kids are nurtured and encouraged to explore the world beyond the textbook. Education is not confined within the four walls of a classroom; it’s about fostering a love for learning, teaching an appreciation for our surroundings, and nurturing an inquisitive spirit. The opportunity to spend a night in the rainforest is just one example of the extraordinary experiences that this local school offers its students, ensuring they grow not just academically, but also emotionally and with an environmental consciousness.

Recently, they embarked on an adventure that will forever be etched in their memories: a night under the canopy of the rainforest at Las Casas de la Selva.

Las Casas de la Selva, located in the forested mountains of Carite in Patillas, is a 40 year old sustainable forestry and rainforest enrichment project, a sanctuary of Puerto Rico’s native flora and fauna. The spectacular location brims with life, from the humble coquis – the island’s charming, melodious frogs – to anoles, stick insects, and an array of beetles, painting a vivid picture of the island’s biodiversity.

Escuela Guillermo Riefkohl students, aged 11 and 12, were lucky enough to spend a night amidst this thriving wilderness. This venture was more than just a school trip. For many, it represented their first journey away from the comforting confines of their homes and the warm, familiar embrace of their parents. For some, this was their first voyage into the rainforest, an ecosystem so different from their urban surroundings, filled with the thrill of uncharted territory and the promise of discovery.

A million thanks to the great teachers behind this project, Ilianexcis Pérez and Teresa Sabtiago. Their dedication and passion for education went beyond the standard curriculum, opening up a world of natural wonders for the young learners. They understood the immeasurable value in letting kids breathe the wild air, touch the damp earth, and listen to the soothing symphony of the rainforest – experiences that kindle a lifelong fascination with nature. Dedicated staff team also included Angela, Caesar, and Alexis, with their expertise and unwavering commitment, played a pivotal role in making this expedition safe, educational, and immensely enjoyable for the kids. Monique Nieves, chef, provided nutritious & delicious meals.

The students were there to spend time with 3t (Thrity Vakil, director), to discover and learn about the rare and endangered plant species that 3t and her botanical team are working with, in collaboration with The Botanical Gardens Conservation International. Namely Palo de Cruz (Garcinia portoricensis), and Tortuga Prieto (Ravenia urbanii), as well as several other critically endangered species such as Palo de Nigua (Cornutia obovata), and Palo de Jazmin (Styrax portoricensis).

From the dense canopy overhead to the rich soil underfoot, every inch of the rainforest is teeming with life, and much of this life is a mystery, just waiting to be unraveled. It was under the guidance 3t, that the students of Escuela Guillermo Riefkohl ventured into this unexplored wilderness. As the director of Las Casas de la Selva, 3t and her botanical team are spearheading efforts to understand and conserve some of the rainforest’s most precious inhabitants.

An integral part of their visit was the chance to delve deep into the world of two incredibly rare and endangered plant species – Palo de Cruz (Garcinia portoricensis) and Tortuga Prieto (Ravenia urbanii). These are not just plants, but living fragments of Puerto Rico’s unique biological heritage, struggling for survival in an increasingly threatened ecosystem.

Guided by 3t’s passion and expertise, the students embarked on an exciting journey of discovery. They learned about these plants, the role of diversity inthe complex web of rainforest life, and the urgent need for their conservation. Through hands-on experience, they saw, touched, and understood the critical work 3t and her team are doing to preserve these species for future generations.

Imagine their wide-eyed awe as they beheld the seedlings of Palo de Cruz, a species as enigmatic as it is rare, with its glossy leaves and sharp point, or the Tortuga Prieto, trees found nowhere else in the world but Puerto Rico. They discussed the challenges faced by these plants, felt the urgency of their plight, and hopefully understood the profound importance of conservation work.

By inviting the students into this world, 3t opened their eyes to the miracles of the rainforest and the dire need to protect it. With every leaf they turned, every question they asked, and every answer they discovered, the students were not only learning about the world around them but also their role in it. And who knows, perhaps among those students, inspired by 3t’s work, is a future botanist or conservationist, ready to take up the torch and continue the fight for Puerto Rico’s incredible natural heritage.

The children of Escuela Guillermo Riefkohl were not merely visitors, but rather explorers for the night, embarking on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Imagine the laughter echoing through the forest as the kids played games, their wide-eyed wonder at the sight of anole lizards disappearing into the foliage, the joy of spotting a stick insect camouflaged on a branch, and the awestruck silence as they listened to the nocturnal serenade of coquis under the starlit sky.

This enchanting encounter with the rainforest was more than just a night of fun. It was a vital, transformative educational experience that has, undoubtedly, shaped these children’s perception of the natural world. As they walked away from Las Casas de la Selva, they carried with them not just memories of a thrilling adventure, but a newfound respect for nature, understanding of biodiversity, and a spark of curiosity that will hopefully fuel their quest for knowledge for years to come.

BGCI Vamanos Tours Volunteer Groups Volunteers
 April 25, 2023

Doane Academy, NJ 17 March 2023

Doane Academy, Burlington, NJ 17 March 2023

A team of 14 eager young students from Doane Academy in Burlington, New Jersey arrived at Las Casas de la Selva, ushered in by the experienced guides of Vamanos Tours, and 5 school staff. Though their stay was short, the impact of their visit will resonate for many days and years to come.

Under the stewardship of Las Casas de la Selva, the rainforest serves as more than just a natural spectacle. It’s a living laboratory and a sanctuary for many of Puerto Rico’s endemic species. The students were introduced to ongoing conservation projects, undertaken in collaboration with the Botanical Gardens Conservation International. These initiatives, aimed at preserving the biodiversity of the rainforest, offered the students a firsthand look at the work and dedication required to protect our planet’s delicate ecosystems. They gained an understanding of the urgency and importance of conservation work. Through these encounters, they learned about the delicate balance that characterizes the rainforest and the role they can play in maintaining it.

In particular, they learned about two incredibly rare and endangered plant species: Palo de Cruz (Garcinia portoricensis) and Tortuga Prieto (Ravenia urbanii). These aren’t just plants but important chapters in the story of Puerto Rico’s unique biological heritage. Understanding these species is essential to conserving the rainforest’s intricate web of life, and the students were privileged to see and learn about these plants in their natural habitat.

The Doane Academy students stepped into the shoes of conservationists for the day, engaging in the noble task of trail clearing. The trails within the lush landscape of Las Casas de la Selva serve as vital lifelines, not just for the human visitors, but for the incredible biodiversity that calls this place home. Keeping them clear and safe is a task of utmost importance, ensuring that the delicate balance of the forest ecosystem remains undisturbed.

Equipped with tools and buoyed by a shared purpose, the students worked diligently, clearing fallen leaves and branches, smoothing out rugged areas, and ensuring the trails remain accessible for future explorations. The task was not only a lesson in conservation work, but also an exercise in teamwork, as students learned to synchronize their efforts, becoming parts of a cohesive whole, much like the rainforest itself.

After a day of hard work, they embarked on a hike along the ethnobotanical trail, delving deep into the heart of the forest. This wasn’t just any walk in the woods. As they navigated the trail, they had a chance to discover and learn about the extraordinary plant species that inhabit this rainforest. The trail provided them with a window into the fascinating world of ethnobotany, demonstrating the profound relationship between humans and plants.

The day’s activities culminated in a culinary treat, courtesy of Yara Soler. Her exceptional cuisine added a flavorful finish to a day packed with learning and action, providing the students with a well-deserved reward. Nourished by Soler’s delicious creations, they ended their day on a high note, their hearts filled with unforgettable memories and newfound appreciation for the conservation work being done at Las Casas de la Selva.

Even as their visit concluded, the experiences and knowledge gained during this single day will undoubtedly continue to resonate with the Doane Academy students. They left a part of themselves in the forest trails they cleared, and in return, they carried away valuable lessons in conservation, teamwork, and respect for nature’s intricate tapestry. And hopefully, their brief foray into the world of Las Casas de la Selva has sown the seeds of lifelong stewardship for our planet’s precious resources.

The time spent at Las Casas de la Selva by the students of Doane Academy was an immersive lesson in ecology and conservation. They didn’t just observe the rainforest; they experienced it, understood it, and contributed to its well-being. In the process, they came away with an experience that combined exploration, education, and stewardship, fostering a deep respect for the natural world that will hopefully last a lifetime.

We appreciate the collaboration we have with Vamanos! Reach out to them if you have a large school group that you would like to travel with, get all over the island, and also stay a few nights, or all nights, with us.
https://www.vamonostours.com/about-us/
Vámonos is a minority-owned educational tour company incorporated in the state of Delaware. Founder, Jorge Pardo, started the company in 2002 after six years of taking his own students on cultural and Spanish immersion tours of his island. With a 100% teacher background, they know what it is like to organize these tours from a teacher’s perspective. Therefore, they help teachers throughout the entire sign-up process and provide more than what’s expected in terms of trip preparation.

Alternative Spring Break BGCI Fountain Valley High Fountain Valley High School Nursery Rare trees School Groups Service work Tree planting Trees Vamanos Tours Volunteer Groups Volunteers Woodwork
 April 24, 2023

Fountain Valley 13-17 March 2023

An extraordinary opportunity beckoned the students of Fountain Valley High, led by the exceptional math teacher Deb Prantl. Leaving their familiar classrooms behind, they journeyed thousands of miles, plunging into a world as lush as it is mysterious. Their destination: Las Casas de la Selva, a sanctuary nestled deep within the heart of the Puerto Rican rainforest.

Awaiting them was a chance to immerse themselves in a realm of knowledge that far outstripped any textbook. They were there to spend time with Thrity Vakil, or 3t as she is fondly known. A respected director and passionate budding botanist, 3t offered these young explorers an up-close and personal encounter with the incredible biodiversity that thrives in the verdant wonder of the rainforest.

Under 3t’s guidance, they discovered the intricate beauty and delicate balance of the rainforest ecosystem, and projects dedicated to conservation of endemic speces, in collaboration with The Botanical Gardens Conservation International.They learned about two rare and endangered plant species, Palo de Cruz (Garcinia portoricensis) and Tortuga Prieto (Ravenia urbanii). These weren’t just names on a list for the students; they were real, vibrant components of a thriving ecosystem that they could touch, examine, and understand. The students got up close to the critically endangered species being propagated in the nursery. They also got to repot endangered endemic seedlings Guayabota (Eugenia stahlii), from seeds gathered in 2020.

It’s not every day that a math teacher from Colorado Springs brings her students to the vibrant depths of the Puerto Rican rainforest. Deb Prantl, however, is no ordinary educator. Year after year, she chooses to embark on these exceptional journeys with her students, seeing the inestimable value of teaching beyond the classroom. Her vision transforms students from mere observers to participants in this incredible global classroom.

Las Casas de la Selva, under the stewardship of 3t and her team, welcomed these eager students with the vibrant buzz of coquis, the rich scent of damp earth, and the lush greenery of towering trees. The students didn’t just observe the rainforest, they experienced it – its sounds, its smells, and its life – gaining insights that can’t be learned in a traditional classroom setting. This trip wasn’t just a journey into the rainforest; it was an expedition into knowledge, conservation, and a deeper understanding of the world that surrounds us.

The thrill of the journey to Las Casas de la Selva doesn’t end with their exploration of the rainforest. A walk in the woods is just the beginning. The excitement continues as the group congregates for an opening circle – an integral part of the experience, providing an opportunity for everyone to share a bit about themselves and forge connections. With dinner comes more animated conversations, as students and staff exchange stories and perspectives, learning from each other as much as from their surroundings.

The next day, the group gets their hands dirty, literally. They work on clearing a trail near a landslide caused by Hurricane Fiona in September 2022, and another one leading down to the river. They help in repotting rare trees in the nursery and planting out nine mahogany trees, each seedling a promise for the future. They engage with Bill Davidowski, absorbing his insights on woodworking as he unveils his current projects.

All this, fueled by the delectable cuisine of Monique Nieves, bringing the local flavors of Puerto Rico to life with every mouthful. Her culinary prowess complements the rich experiences of the day, nourishing both body and soul.

Witnessing the rainforest awaken to a new day, watching the students’ faces light up as they discover the wonders hidden in the lush wilderness is a sight to behold. From unusual flora and fauna, breathtaking waterfalls, awe-inspiring wildlife, to the melodic chorus of coquis serenading the night, Las Casas de la Selva transforms into an open-air classroom like no other.

The retreat at Las Casas de la Selva is not just an ecological expedition; it’s a journey of connections – with nature, with each other, and within oneself. It’s a sanctuary away from the digital distractions of modern life. Students often express their relief and joy at being off their phones and devices, relishing the chance to simply be in the moment, to absorb the sights, sounds, and sensations of the living rainforest around them.

Beyond the trail-blazing, tree-planting, and storytelling, the Las Casas de la Selva experience is about more profound lessons. Lessons in conservation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship are woven into the fabric of the journey. It’s about understanding that we’re all part of this beautiful, intricate web of life and that every action matters.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the wild. To echo the words of naturalist John Muir, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” In the heart of the Puerto Rican rainforest, the students of Fountain Valley High discovered just that.

See more of 3t’s photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9C5LBvjrKTkQobjV8

Fountain Valley School of Colorado provides a transformative curriculum in a supportive environment where students are challenged to think critically, become leaders, and live by our core values: Courage, Compassion, Curiosity, Self-Reliance, Open-Mindedness. 
Fountain Valley School is a coed independent college preparatory school that offers day and boarding programs for students in grades 9-12. FVS was established in 1930 and is located on an 1,100 acre campus in Colorado Springs, Colo., which is 70 miles (115 km) south of Denver. Colorado’s mountain ski resorts are two hours to the west, and the School has a 40-acre Mountain Campus near Buena Vista, Colo., that provides abundant opportunities for year-round recreation and experiential education programs.

BGCI Botany Endangered plants Events News Nursery Rare trees
 January 12, 2023

Botanical Bridges Congress, November 2022

Thrity was invited by the directors of the Botanical Gardens Conservation International, and Naples Botanical Garden, to the Botanical Bridges Congress 2022, at The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, a 30 acre world-class, botanic garden in Governor’s Harbor Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. It is a showcase of native and endemic Bahamian plants and is the first and only national park on the island. Thrity’s presentation at the congress highlighted the history and forestry work at Las Casas, including the last two years of work with critically endangered endemic species. There were 50 participants from 26 Botanical Gardens and institutions, representing 11 countries and territories, a gathering to improve global collaboration.

Here is 3t’s photo album of the trip: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JGPBqnmxetVGTKECA

Huge thanks to Joachim Gratzfeld, BGCI Regional Programmes Director; Chad Washburn, Director, Naples Botanical Garden, Florida; Noelia Alvarez, BGCI Plant Conservation Project Manager, for arranging and sponsoring Thrity’s trip.

Outcomes and Emerging Themes
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­There were many important outcomes and emerging themes at the Congress including: Revision and acceptance of a draft of A Plant Conservation Strategy for the Caribbean Region.  The strategy provides a unifying set of plant conservation actions linked to and in support of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The Strategy will be circulated among the Network in early 2023 for a final stakeholder consultation. 

A range of tools and resources are available through Botanic Gardens Conservation International to support and guide plant conservation efforts, including the International Plant Sentinel Network, Global Conservation Consortia, Global Tree Assessments, Plant Search, Threat Search, and the Global Tree Portal.

There is a significant need to draw in more participation from Caribbean and Central American gardens and plant conservation organizations to build a stronger network. This will require improved communication, engagement, and promotion of the network.

Botanic Gardens across the region are acting as education, training, and sustainability centers to build regional capacity to support plant conservation. Projects that focus on taxonomic groups can serve as successful models for collaboration and creating coordinated metacollections of high conservation value. Collaborations within the region and outside of the region will be necessary to build significant capacity for plant conservation. This includes collaborations between gardens and governments, businesses and entrepreneurships, schools and universities, and local communities. 
Conservation horticulture plays a vital role in supporting all plant conservation efforts.

Climate change impacts play a strong role in the region. Work is needed to plan for disaster management and to prepare, mitigate and restore in the face of climate change.
Thrity and Shelby White
META ABSTRACT: TREE CONSERVATION SESSIONS
Prioritise, plan, act and monitor – promoting an integrated approach to threatened tree conservation

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) promotes a holistic, integrated approach to the conservation and management of plant diversity. The ultimate aim of BGCI’s Tree Conservation Program is that no tree species become extinct. A coordinated, integrated approach to global tree conservation is needed, as the State of the World’s Trees, published in 2021 indicates that almost 30% of all tree species are threatened with extinction. BGCI’s Tree Conservation Program is integrating threatened tree conservation through four actions – prioritise, plan, act and monitor – to protect the world’s tree species from extinction with partners worldwide. In this session, we will showcase the varied approaches used to further the conservation of tree species.

PRIORITISE

Effective tree conservation requires information and tools to guide and prioritise action. The Global Tree Assessment is an initiative to assess the conservation status of all the world’s tree species, led by Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the IUCN Species Survival Commission Global Tree Specialist Group. Here we present the progress of the Global Tree Assessment towards our goal of an IUCN Red List assessment for every tree species with a focus on Central America and the Caribbean. However completing IUCN Red List assessments isn’t enough. Tree extinctions can only be avoided if the best possible information is available and then used to inform conservation decisions made by practitioners, policy makers and funders.

PLAN

Conservation action can be planned at species level but also at the national, regional and taxonomic group levels. All together, resources as made available by BGCI including the Global Tree Portal, Conservation Action Tracker, Recovery Plans, national conservation planning work and taxonomic group-level conservation planning, inform the selection of priority sites and species to develop integrated tree conservation initiatives and funding applications. Ground surveys are  key to updating the information on baseline populations and understanding of threats and ecology for the species to enable the development of recovery plans.

ACT

The information available through the Global Tree Assessment is crucial to guide tree conservation action. While the challenges and scale of the problem in maintaining tree diversity are significant, the Global Trees Campaign initiative has worked to conserve over 400 threatened tree species in more than 50 countries. These projects carry out direct tree conservation action, collaborating closely with local partners worldwide. The full engagement and participation of local stakeholders is key to the success and lasting impact of all tree conservation initiatives. Technical challenges can be multiple and complex, building stakeholder capacity and partnerships facilitates the sharing of experiences, improves practices and increases success. We will showcase examples of tree conservation projects currently being implemented in the  Central American and Caribbean region in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti and Puerto Rico.

MONITOR

Project monitoring is the routine collection and analysis of information about project progress and whether expected results are being achieved. To track progress annually, BGCI has developed a thorough system of monitoring and evaluation where project activities are reviewed and amended  as necessary,  based on new findings or on unforeseen events, including natural and man-made hazards and changes.

An example of integrated conservation encompassing the Prioritise-Plan-Act-Monitor framework are the Global Conservation Consortia. The global botanic garden community is establishing a series of consortia of specialists with knowledge of genera that are technically challenging to conserve and manage. Eight such consortia have been established to date, including for cycads, and Magnolia. The Global Conservation Consortium for Magnolia (GCCM), led by Atlanta Botanical Garden, is a coordinated network of institutions and experts who work collaboratively to develop and implement a comprehensive conservation strategy to prevent extinction of the world’s Magnolia species.

Collaboration is needed to most effectively conserve the world’s tree species. Strengthening the networks already in place, sharing of  information and experiences and developing new partnerships is key to protecting the region’s unique tree flora.

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