• Home
• Science Strategy
• Science Teams
• Projects
  • Collecting and Conserving Wild Species from Malawi and Building Seed Conservation Capacity
• People
• Publications
• Acronyms

Collecting and Conserving Wild Species from Malawi and Building Seed Conservation Capacity

Joint MSB and Malawi collection expedition climbing Mount Mulanje, May 2005

The MSBP in Malawi seeks high quality seed collections of threatened and useful wild species of Malawi that are banked for long term conservation. In addition, the project improves Malawi’s seed banking facilities and testing protocols, and trains its staff (1 MSc, 1 PhD ongoing). Data and seed collections of Malawi wild species will be securely conserved both in-country in Malawi and at the seed bank at Wakehurst Place in the UK. The project in Malawi is a collaboration between the RBG Kew and four national institutes (the Forestry Research Institute Malawi, the National Plant Genetic Resources Centre, the National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens and the National Research Council). The project is making a major contribution to meeting the objectives of the Global Plant Conservation Strategy in Malawi (Targets 8 and 15), for species collection and conservation, and increases the number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation, according to national needs.

It is envisaged that the project will achieve:

·      collection and conservation of about 500 priority wild species in Malawi (by 2008) with emphasis on economic, endemic and endangered species;

·      development of ex situ conservation capacity in Malawi Seed Bank through national networking with involved institutes and provision of essential equipment; technical support and vocational training of project staff; and development of applied research through higher degrees; and

·      training of Malawi scientists (FRIM, NHBG, NRC and NPGRC) in best practices, regarding seed banking, laboratory research handling and data management for a better conservation and germination of wild seeds. 

Kew Home | Science Directory | Copyright & Privacy