In 2016, GTC awarded Oxford University Masters student, Daniela Requena Suarez, with a grant to support her research on a group of threatened tree species in the Peruvian Amazon. In this blog, she shares insights into her research and tells us what seed collection can mean for the conservation of these amazing trees. Not…
The Global Trees Campaign is now accepting applications for student grants to support Masters research focused on tree species conservation. Have you heard more about rhinos than rosewood? Read more papers on elephants than on ebony? Did you know that over 9,600 tree species are threatened with extinction? Only a small proportion of threatened…
Adam Harrower from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden reflects on a recent trip to Nigeria to deliver training in tree conservation techniques. Reforestation efforts in Nigeria are being spearheaded by GTC partner, “The Forest Unit” at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. These efforts focus on the collection and propagation of native tree species which…
Around the world, high in forested hills and deep within humid jungles live a few individuals who devote their lives to protecting ancient tree species. These men and women have become part of local folklore, esteemed for their commitment to their trees and forests. With the support of Fauna & Flora International (FFI), they continue to protect and foster the some of the world’s most…
When you think of Mexico, the first thing that springs to mind probably isn’t ‘oak trees’, but expect that to change. Audrey Denvir of Morton Arboretum shows us why Mexico’s oaks are so remarkable and explains recent moves by tree conservationists to secure their future. Mexico is the country with the greatest oak diversity in the world. Notably,…
In an innovative move designed to promote tree-specific conservation leaders, the Global Trees Campaign (GTC) is joining forces with the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) to support one of its 2017 Future Conservationist Awards. The need to conserve threatened species and habitats has never been more urgent. And there is a correspondingly urgent need for…
Pablo Hoffmann, Executive Director of Fauna & Flora International’s partner Sociedade Chauá, shares his hopes and fears for the future of Brazil’s Araucaria forest. Today I woke up with a strong sense of what can only be described as ‘saudade’: “a longing for all that I have not seen”. I miss the great forest that…
GTC doesn’t just do practical tree conservation; before we can start protecting, or encouraging our partners to do so, we need to find out which trees need our help. To that end, the whitebeam (Sorbus) experts of Europe recently convened in Zagreb, Croatia to review draft red list assessments produced by the GTC. Over 190…
“Do you need a lift?” I don’t know the person driving, but I see the familiar logo of Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust on the car. So, ignoring all parental advice, I say…. “Sure, thanks.” And hop in. I find out my driver, Daniel, set up the first hydropower scheme in Malawi, MEGA, a social enterprise…
Spring 2016 Kyrgyzstan’s fruit and nut forest is a pretty spectacular sight. Set against a backdrop of towering toblerone-esque mountains and a clear blue sky, the springtime blossoms of the wild apple and pear trees look dazzlingly beautiful. Until one hits you square in the face as your horse sidesteps a particularly muddy patch. The…
Last summer, five UK dendrologists embarked on a three-week expedition to the Pacific north-west coast of the USA, travelling 4000 miles, securing seed for tree species’ futures. Representatives from GTC partners the Forestry Commission’s Bedgebury National Pinetum and Oxford University Botanic Gardens Harcourt Arboretum, along with the Forestry Commission’s Westonbirt National Arboretum, visited three states…
The latest Red List to be published under the Global Tree Assessment shows that half of all Magnolia species are threatened with extinction in the wild. To find such a high proportion of threatened species in such a well-known and widely cultivated plant family is alarming, and signals the need for more concerted conservation action…