Principles and practice of plant conservation

Abstract

Principles and Practice of Plant Conservation is the first exhaustive and systematic treatment of the issues of plant conservation, other books on the subject having been collections of articles on specialized topics or of a regional nature. This book, growing out of a major sponsorship effort by two of the world's leading conservation organizations to 'assert the fundamental importance of plants in all conservation activities', provides the well-integrated coverage that arises from an expert's thoughtful analysis of the entire subject. Commissioned by the World Wide Fund for Nature and IUCN - The World Conservation Union as part of their joint endeavor of 'building the capacity to conserve', this work by David R. Given elucidates the concepts that underlie successful conservation efforts. Drawing on his own work and involving international collaboration, the author also presents a large number of real-life case studies that illustrate the principles of conservation in action. Chapters are devoted to the natural - and unnatural - causes of plant rarity and endangerment, and the management of plant populations in natural habitats, in modified landscapes, and off-site to preserve germplasm. Going beyond the biology of conservation, other chapters are devoted to the ethical, educational, and economic aspects of plant conservation. Cyrille de Klemm, an expert on international law, has contributed a chapter on conservation legislation. Plants play critical roles in the web of life, providing the food and shelter on which animals depend. As human population and development pressures on the world's biota increase, it is in the best interest of all to use plant resources wisely and sustainably.That will be possible only if plant diversity is maintained, and Principles and Practice of Plant Conservation is an essential reference for those concerned with how best to preserve what we have.