Conservation Plans for Threatened Plants

Conservation plans define strategic actions and monitor the accomplishment of conservation goals in order to reduce the threats to and improve the status of species or ecosystems¹. The plans are complementary to management strategies in areas that are protected or have special management. Since in Colombia there is a huge diversity of plants (more than 26,000 species²) it is not feasible to create conservation plans that comprise all of them. For this reason, the National Strategy for Plant Conservation³ has defined strategic groups to implement conservation plans, which function as umbrella groups and allow for the development of conservation efforts that include a great number of plant species, their habitats, and associated organisms.

One such strategic group are the tropical cycads. With 21 species (and five in the process of description), Colombia is the most diverse country for this group. Tropical cycads in Colombia are distributed in all natural regions, and most are endemic⁴. Unfortunately, all of these species are in some threat category (according to the second evaluation for the Red List⁴). Tropical cycads (genus Zamia, family Zamiaceae) belong to the plant group of the cycads (order Cycadales), the most threatened group of plants on the planet and a strategic group for conservation at an international scale⁵.

Using available information about geographical distribution, population biology, and threats to population and habitats, a detailed diagnosis of the conservation status of each species was developed in order to elaborate a conservation plan for tropical cycads. Then, in discussion with different parties, short and long term (10 years) goals were designed. The goals considered actions of preservation, restoration, sustainable use, management of knowledge, education, and communication, among others⁴. In this process, not only was relevant information updated but also necessities in knowledge and management were identified. Additionally, a better relationship between different actors such as environmental authorities and institutions interested in plant conservation was stimulated. The conservation plan proposes many actions, including the creation and strengthening of private reserves, restoration of some populations, formulation of programs for sustainable use (ecotourism and horticulture), and an integrated and interconnected management between relevant actors.

As part of this conservation plan, resources have been obtained to advance in actions to protect and restore populations, generate knowledge, and implement a program for monitoring and sustainable use. Conservation plans for plants in the country must be supported, for they are a priority because plants are the basis for terrestrial ecosystems and provide invaluable ecosystem services.