Falklands Conservation

NEWS DIGEST 12

From Falklands Conservation Newsletter 41, Stanley

September 1999

Turning Plants Into Money

A recently published report by David Broughton for the Department of Agriculture looks into the novel uses for the plant genetic resources of the Falklands. The aim of the report is to stimulate interest in, and discussion on, potential sustainable uses of the flora bearing in mind the increasing need for diversification of our economy.

Horticulture Broughton points out that horticulture is a multi-billion pound industry that is constantly on the lookout for new and novel plants in terms of flower colours or growth characteristics. In the case of endemic Coastal Nassavia, specimens must have been collected from the Falklands in the past and are now under cultivation elsewhere - this is likely to have been without permission - and the Falklands have certainly not profited from this. Although this cannot be rectified now, this situation should not be allowed to reoccur.	Coastal Nassauvia (Nassauvia gaudichaudii)
Exploitation of Berry Crops Within the Islands five native species (Diddle-dee, two different species of Mountain Berry and Native Strawberry) and one alien shrub (Calafate) produce edible fruits - an abundant resource that is currently only harvested for domestic use and could probably be exploited with the large and increasing tourism market. Broughton suggests possible products as jams, jellies, wine, cakes and dairy products such as ice-cream, yoghurt and fruit cheeses or even Teaberry Gin - all possibly marketable as 'luxury', 'eco-friendly' and 'organic' products. In South America berries are now seen as a potential high value crop in the area around Punta Arenas as they appear to grow slower but with a better flavour than further north.	Diddle-dee (Empetrum rubrum)
Medicinal Uses Broughton has already identified possible medicinal uses for some Falklands shrubs but adds that potentially any plant could have novel medicinal properties - the only way to find out being to put germplasm into circulation. Parts of the Balsam Bog have shown anti-inflammatory properties and could thus be used for the treatment of external wounds. Relatives of the Christmas Bush are known to have antihelminthic and analgesic properties and the Falklands variety would benefit from further study. The family of which Diddle-dee forms a part has been found to contain compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. The University of Ulster is investigating the potential of the Fachine family in improving sight.	Balsam Bog (Bolax gummifera)
Crop Improvment It is possible that the related ericaceous shrubs of the Falklands may have novel traits that could be beneficial to already established northern hemisphere crops. One illustration is that of the Native Strawberry which could be introduced into breeding programmes for various berry crops. Additionally, introduced grass species could also be regarded as of potential value given that it is very likely that they will have undergone some genetic adaptation to the unique conditions of the Falklands.	Native Strawberry (Rubus geoides)

Breath of Fresh Air Conference

Becky Ingham recently attended the 'Breath of Fresh Air' conference, jointly organized by the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Some of the most interesting things to arise from the discussions between the Overseas Territories (OT's) and non-Governmental organizations (NO's), such as Falklands Conservation, were the similarities of problems encountered across a range of islands and territories and how best all of the people involved can work together to protect the environment.

Capturing Ideas and Moving Forward
The major aim of the conference, held at London Zoo on the 29/30th June 1999, was to lead to improved understanding by Government departments and NGO's in the UK of some of the problems facing conservation in the OT's. In addition, greater awareness in the Territories of the scope for sharing experiences and ideas and for developing a more comprehensive, systematic and integrated approach to environmental policies and planning; a greater realisation by all of the fragility of many key habitats in the OT's; and forging new links to help us all find better solutions more quickly, using limited official funds well.

It provided a much needed opportunity for people who are normally remote from each other to come together and recognise, in spite of individual circumstances, just how many things we have in common and how many ideals we share. The most important thing has been recognised as not losing momentum, but to start building on the foundations laid during the two days of the conference.

Environmental Funding
Not surprisingly, this became one of the major issues discussed over the two days. There was generally felt to be widespread support of an OT-wide Trust Fund to support conservation projects, and also for the development of sustainable methods Of the OT's gaining commercial benefits from their natural resources, This however, can-be difficult to do without over-exploitation of these resources.

Several territories have already established environmental protection funds, typically as a levy on incoming tourists. This can be a useful method to link environmental sustainability with economic activity. Here in the Falklands we already have a 'Conservation Levy' which tourists pay from cruise ships. It is interesting however that one of the major points of view from both government and non-governmental groups arising from the conference was that these funds should be available for conservation and environment issues and not purely as a way of recouping existing expenditure. In the islands the Falklands Government are not setting this money aside for environmental research, rather it is being treated as any other revenue.

Environmental Education
Environmental education was seen as the key to the protection of the OT's biodiversity. This theme recurred in the presentations from all of the OT's and came up in most discussions. Care of the natural world is a key element of successful policies for fisheries, tourism and well as personal and social freedom and quality of life. Education should be aimed at everyone, not just children, as it is fundamental in linking the economy and politics to the environment.

Invasive Species
The topic of invasive species was another major element for discussion. They are the second greatest threat to global biodiversity after habitat loss and the primary threat in many small island states. It was emphasised that projects to quantify and rectify the damage done by these species should be carded out wherever possible.

Environmental Charter
It became clear over the course of the two days that the UK OT's needed the ideas that had been collated produced into a useful working format. This would form the basis for an Environmental Charter for the Overseas Territories, providing a framework for all of the territories to protect their unique biodiversity.

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