Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
provide the resources and ecosystem services upon which all
other species depend.
the climate
change
challenge for
plants
Wild plant conservation has three mutually dependent aims:
•
Maintaining plant species and their genetic diversity.
•
Achieving sustainable use of wild plant resources.
•
Securing plants and natural vegetation as providers of
ecosystem services.
These aims are most likely to be achieved where efforts
are focused on maintaining plants within robust ecosystems.
However, the ability of national governments to achieve these
aims is under increasing pressure because of climate change;
the impact of which is seen at all levels of species' survival,
including
•
A continuing shift in the potential ranges of many plant
species, causing them to become extinct in their exist-
ing locations. Many will find it difficult to 'follow the
climate', lacking adequate means of dispersal and find-
ing their paths impeded by human destruction of wild
habitats.
•
Increasing scarcity of food, fuel, forage, medicines and
many other resources derived from wild plants. This will
be a serious problem for the billions of people, especially
in developing countries, who rely on such resources for
their subsistence and livelihoods.
•
The necessity to maintain water supplies, flood control
and soil stability, all of which rely on natural vegetation
in both river catchments and coastal margins. Water sup-
plies, already under stress globally, will come under even
greater pressure, further exacerbating potential resource
conflicts.
Meeting the
challenge:
Important plant
areas
Wild plants play a fundamental role in enabling national gov-
ernments to sustain delivery of social and economic develop-
ment and climate change magnifies the significance of this
role. The critical factor in securing sustainable management of
national plant resources is how governments involve the people
and groups for whom the resources have most value.
Climate change is affecting medicinal and aromatic plants
around the world and could ultimately lead to losses of some
key species. This conclusion is based on the research, observa-
tions and opinions of multiple medicinal plant researchers and
conservationists, as reported in the cover article of the latest
