Strategic Research for SEERAD 2005-2010: Environment, Biology and Agriculture
Annex 3 - International Plant Biodiversity
Contributing to International Programmes of Plant Taxonomy, Systematics and Conservation.
Aim: To contribute to International Programmes of plant taxonomy, systematics and plant conservation through research on international plant groups, scientific training and capacity building in other countries.
Background and Policy Drivers
Work at the RBGE is defined by the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 and includes activity on Scottish, UK and overseas plant biodiversity. RBGE's work on Scottish plant biodiversity will contribute to the relevant Research Programmes and policies described earlier, in particular CCT2 and PO10.
RBGE's international work is focussed by a number of EU and international policies and initiatives which address concerns about the protection of global biodiversity, sustainable exploitation and the need to build capacity in developing countries which are rich in biodiversity but poor in terms of financial and/or knowledge resources. This research also supports Defra, which has the lead responsibility for the UK's commitment to the global CBD and SEERAD in its commitment to protecting the global environment and biodiversity.
There is considerable synergy and linkage between the international and Scottish aspects of the RBGE's research. International work provides the broader context within which Scottish research is set and the scientific knowledge and skills developed in both areas can be applied to both national and international questions.
Relevant Policy Documents
Illustrative Outputs
Support for this international research will continue to be managed through our sponsorship funding of the RBGE as a Non-Departmental Public Body, in contrast to the Programme Approach outlined earlier.
The RBGE's international research focuses on plant groups and regions where RBGE's staff have particular expertise and the RBGE collections are especially strong, namely the plants of SE and SW Asia, the Sino-Himalaya, South America and mainland Europe (where knowledge of Scottish systems can transfer well). A number of research projects are part of large international collaborations which bring taxonomic experts together from across the world. Research will lead to new knowledge on plant systematics and evolution, preparation of geographical floras, practical conservation programmes, overseas capacity building and training of specialist scientists.
The RBGE is also responsible for the care, development and availability of the international plant collections which it holds on behalf of the Scottish nation. These collections of living and preserved plant specimens have been collected from around the world over many years and constitute an important biological reference source. The value of these collections requires constant development through the acquisition of new specimens, curation and updating of information records, all of which are undertaken in close association with research activities.