This book is about the conservation of genetic diversity of wild plants in situ in their natural surroundings, primarily in existing protected areas but also outside conventional protected areas. The principles outlined are equally applicable for the in situ genetic conservation of any wild plant species, whether the aim is to maintain a species threatened by habitat fragmentation, over-collection from the wild or a species that has potential use as a gene donor to our crops.
This publication summarises results for a selection of Europe's native species of vascular plants. In total 1,826 vascular plant species have been assessed from the following groups: species listed on European or international policy instruments, selected priority crop wild relatives, and aquatic plant species. Of those at least 467 species are threatened with extinction.
