2018 ASHS Annual Conference

The 2017 assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) indicates there are over 24,000 threatened plant species worldwide, which represents an estimated 6% of plant species. In North America, 4,420 species are considered threatened. To confront the growing threat to plant biodiversity, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) has established The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). The vision for the GSPC is to halt the continuing loss of plant diversity and to secure a positive, sustainable future where human activities support the diversity of plant life. Five objectives and 16 outcome-oriented targets have been implemented by GSPC and challenge humanity to participate. Particularly relevant to horticulture are the seven Targets of Objective II: Plant diversity is urgently and effectively conserved. This objective emphasizes in situ and ex situ conservation efforts, ecological restoration, and invasive plant management. In many cases, horticultural techniques and expertise are integral to the success of these efforts. Many public gardens, universities, non-profits, private organizations, and businesses are already working towards accomplishing these targets. However, much more work is needed. The all-important role horticulture in these outcome-oriented targets is the beckoning for horticulturist from around the world to do their part in preventing the loss of plant biodiversity.