Aims

Aims

The overarching aim of the project is to use the European Alpine Seed Conservation Network to improve the conservation status of endangered plant species and communities in their habitats in the European Alps. The project will contribute to the aim of safeguarding seeds from 25% of the world flora by 2020, in a network of seed banks through the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership.

The specific objectives of the project are to:

  • Improve the conservation status of grassland communities and their constituent species in the high-montane, alpine and nival altitudinal belts.
  • Make high quality seed material available for conservation, research and restoration.
  • Improve knowledge of the ecology of target species through specific research projects.
  • Develop a network for seed conservation and research in the European Alps, fostering collaboration, development of new scientists, and expanding knowledge on key ecological species in the European Alps.
  • Raise awareness of the importance of Alpine grassland communities through engagement with schools and public outreach.

The key outcomes of the project include the protection of over 500 species from the European Alps, the development of seed specialists in the region, increased collaboration between plant science and conservation organisations across the region and public awareness of the value and vulnerability of the local flora.