Falklands Conservation

Plant Conservation Programme Begins

Falklands Conservation has launched a new project to protect the plants of the Falkland Islands. A two-year programme will build on previous botanical surveys to identify Important Plant Areas across the Islands. In addition key species, particularly those which are rare, unique or threatened, will have Species Action Plans drawn up. The work will be undertaken with practical support from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Photo: Dr Rebecca Upson, Plant Conservation Officer, who has now arrived in Stanley after completing a two month International Diploma in Plant Conservation Strategies at Kew Gardens. She has previously undertaken plant survey work in Antarctica.

A further part of the new Project will be working with the Falklands Department of Agriculture and Elephant Beach Farm to undertake plant survey work on a whole-farm experimental rotational grazing trial. This aims to investigate the benefits of more sustainable land-use practices. There will also be a close working relationship with the Invasive Species Project inputting botanical expertise with respect to certain problem plant species.

Rebecca is looking forward to her time with Falklands Conservation ‘working on a project that addresses many different areas and will make a real difference to plant conservation in the Falklands.’

This project is supported by the Overseas Territories Environment Programme and the Falkland Islands Government.

• Contact us?
• Return to Index?