Nov 2, 2020 | News
The ANPC’s best practice handbook for ex situ conservation is currently being revised, to produce the third edition of the publication ‘Plant Germplasm Conservation in Australia – strategies and guidelines for developing, managing and utilising ex situ collections’. Chapter working groups and case study authors, primarily in Australia and New Zealand, have been hard at work revising the existing content. Featuring many new case studies and new chapters, it will be a “must-read” handbook for those planning, undertaking and curating ex situ conservation projects, big and small! Amelia, the Guidelines Project Manager, would like to thank all the contributors and steering committee for their time and input during an especially challenging year.
A review process with commence shortly, and anyone wishing to review the Germplasm Guidelines prior to publication is welcome to contact the Project Manager, see https://www.anpc.asn.au/germplasm-guidelines-review/.
The ANPC has been successful in applying for additional funding to hold an Australian Academy of Science Fenner Conference on the Environment in 2021/2022, during which an expert meeting associated with the Germplasm Guidelines revision will be held. The topic will be ‘Exceptional Times, Exceptional Plants: Ex situ conservation strategies for Australian plants that cannot be conserved by conventional seed banking methods’. Stay tuned for more information!
Nov 2, 2020 | News
The ANPC is proud to be involved in a new project helping to conserve 14 nationally threatened orchid species across three states. The orchids were affected by the 2019-20 fires at Kangaroo Island, East Gippsland and the Australian Alps. Project leaders Dr Noushka Reiter, Dr Ryan Philips and Dan Duval will work with volunteers and partner organisations to prevent extinction of these species through seed collection, propagation and research on post fire herbivory and reproduction. A symposium will be held in 2021 to share the project’s results and provide a networking opportunity for the orchid conservation community. Funding for this project was provided by the Australian Government’s Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery Program. Head to the ANPC’s project website to find out more.
Nov 2, 2020 | News
The ANPC’s project manager, Martin Driver, led several workshops for the Riverina Local Land Services at the end of September. These were the first workshops held this year and occurred under Covid-safe principles with group numbers limited and social distancing implemented. During workshops native plants were identified on field visits and from specimens brought in by participants. This was a great chance to see emerging species with more species expected due to the forecast La Nina conditions. The workshops also provided an opportunity for discussions on various topics from vegetation restoration and propagation techniques to seed collection, storage and treatment.
Oct 7, 2020 | News
The organising committee has made the difficult decision to postpone the 13th Australasian Plant Conservation Conference (APCC13) which was scheduled for 19 to 23 April 2021. This decision was made based on the changing travel restrictions and social distancing measures which affect the organisation of and participation at this event. When deciding to postpone the conference we considered various other formats but opted for a physical conference. This ensures the in-person networking opportunities this event provides are not constrained by social distancing or a virtual format. The theme for the APCC13 conference is ‘Seeds to Recovery’. A call for abstracts will be announced in 2021 with more information to be made available closer to the event on our website. We’d like to thank our sponsors and partners for their ongoing support. We look forward to seeing you in 2022!
Oct 7, 2020 | News
All ANPC members are invited to attend this year’s AGM to be hosted via Zoom, due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting on-site options at the Australian National Botanical Gardens. The Agenda, meeting papers and Zoom conference details will be circulated to all members closer to the date. Catch up with what the ANPC has achieved over the last year and hear from a special guest speaker TBC. Please RSVP to the Secretary, Melissa Millar, by Wednesday 4 November 2020 to assist us in preparing a successful AGM.
Have you considered joining the committee of Australia’s only national plant conservation network, where you can make a difference in promoting and improving plant conservation in Australia! Elections will be held at the AGM for the positions of Secretary, Treasurer and five ordinary committee members. Nominations must be received by the Secretary, by close of business on Wednesday 4 November 2020. Download the Nomination Form here.
