Sustaining orchids for the future
2005
Tan, W.K.
The theme for 17th WOC is defined and examined under the basic queries of "what", "why", "when" and "how". Based on the global strategy for plant diversity conservation, a subset strategy for sustaining orchids for the future is discussed.The primary concern in sustaining orchids is conservation of orchid biodiversity. This can be considered at different levels from genomes to individual organisms, species, populations and ecosystems. Sustaining orchids includes sustaining interest in orchids to the degree that effective action can be taken in a continuum through the second millennium to ensure that we have orchids left to enjoy in the third. It implies sustaining the existence of the progenitors of interest in orchids, such as the hobbyist, the grower, the educator, the researcher, the effective politician, the non-government organisation (NGO) and government agencies working on behalf of orchid conservation. Why we should sustain orchids for the future takes into consideration the aesthetic and intrinsic interest of orchids, their commercial and economic value, and the biological role of the largest family of flowering plants in the biosphere. How sustainability can be achieved encompasses in-situ and ex-situ conservation, habitat management and local and international protection. Education and research are critical pursuits. The agencies involved in these endeavours include botanic gardens, orchid societies, orchid nurseries, nature reserves, government and NGOs. When should efforts to sustain orchids begin? Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Finally, the development of an action plan for the host country to sustain its orchid heritage for the future is considered. It begins with having Malaysia be the perfect host nation for the best World Orchid Conference in this millennium. Different aspects of sustaining orchids for the future are included.
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