The Majella National Park: a case study for the conservation of plant biodiversity in the Italian Apennines

Abstract

The Majella National Park (MNP) is a tangible example of the interaction between ex-situ and in-situ conservation of endemic, rare, or endangered species at a Regional level in the context of the Italian national parks. The MNP has the facilities and carries out activities for the conservation of plant biodiversity: it includes botanical gardens, a seed bank, a nursery, and a network of “guardian farmers”, an authentic “granary” in which to protect and conserve biodiversity in and around the Majella massif (central Italy).