Genetic ReserveGenetic Reserve Conservation Conservation

of Crop Wild Relatives: of Crop Wild Relatives: Establishing the ContextEstablishing the Context

Nigel MaxtedNigel Maxted

University of BirminghamUniversity of Birmingham

Talk ObjectivesTalk Objectives

Establish the context, not providing an overview Establish the context, not providing an overview of genetic reserve conservationof genetic reserve conservation

Who can we steal from?Who can we steal from?

Discuss a proposed methodology for conservation Discuss a proposed methodology for conservation in a genetic reserve of crop wild relativesin a genetic reserve of crop wild relatives

Link Link in situin situ to to ex situex situ conservation and ultimately conservation and ultimately useuse

Questions not answersQuestions not answers

ContextContext CBD (1992) [GPA (1996), GSPC (2002) and IT (2003)] CBD (1992) [GPA (1996), GSPC (2002) and IT (2003)]

have refocused PGR conservation towards have refocused PGR conservation towards in situin situ conservationconservation

""In situ conservation In situ conservation means the conservation of means the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings and, in the case of domesticates natural surroundings and, in the case of domesticates or cultivated species, in the surroundings where they or cultivated species, in the surroundings where they have developed their distinctive properties." have developed their distinctive properties."

Article 2 CBD (1992)Article 2 CBD (1992)

Wild populations in genetic reservesWild populations in genetic reserves

Definition of TermsDefinition of Terms""Genetic Reserve ConservationGenetic Reserve Conservation - the location, - the location, management and monitoring of genetic diversity management and monitoring of genetic diversity in natural wild populations within defined areas in natural wild populations within defined areas designated for active, long-term conservation. designated for active, long-term conservation. Maxted Maxted et al.et al. (1997) (1997)

Is this definition acceptable?Is this definition acceptable?

Not cultivated species on-farm!Not cultivated species on-farm!

Synonyms: genetic reserve management units, Synonyms: genetic reserve management units, gene management zones, gene or genetic gene management zones, gene or genetic

sanctuaries, crop reservations, etc.sanctuaries, crop reservations, etc.

Wild or Crop Wild RelativeWild or Crop Wild Relative Within the context of protected area conservation is there Within the context of protected area conservation is there

a difference between wild species and crop wild relative a difference between wild species and crop wild relative conservation?conservation?

A crop wild relative is a taxon related to a species of A crop wild relative is a taxon related to a species of direct socio-economic importance, a member of the same direct socio-economic importance, a member of the same gene pool (GP1 and GP2) or genus (TG1, TG2, TG3, TG4), gene pool (GP1 and GP2) or genus (TG1, TG2, TG3, TG4), Not tertiary relatives in GP3 or TG5Not tertiary relatives in GP3 or TG5

Europe an important centre for crop wild relative Europe an important centre for crop wild relative diversity.  diversity.  – Major crops: oats Major crops: oats (Avena sativa(Avena sativa)),, sugar beet ( sugar beet (Beta vulgarisBeta vulgaris), apple ), apple

((Malus domesticaMalus domestica), annual meadow grass (), annual meadow grass (Festuca pratensisFestuca pratensis), and ), and white clover (white clover (Trifolium repensTrifolium repens) have wild relatives in Europe.  ) have wild relatives in Europe. 

– Minor crops: arnicaMinor crops: arnica (Arnica montana (Arnica montana)), , asparagusasparagus (Asparagus (Asparagus officinalisofficinalis)), , lettuce (lettuce (Lactuca sativaLactuca sativa), and sage (), and sage (Salvia officinalisSalvia officinalis).).  

These species are threatened = Need to improve These species are threatened = Need to improve efficiency of conservation of CWRefficiency of conservation of CWR

UK CWR Threat AssessmentUK CWR Threat AssessmentStatus Category No. of CWR Taxa

Native 623

Native: Endemic 20

Archeophyte 81

Neophyte 169

Casual 10

Hybrid 2

Total 905

UK CWR Threat AssessmentUK CWR Threat Assessment

Status CategoryTaxa with occurrence <200 10x10 Km squares and a

negative change index over last 25 years

Native 83

Native: Endemic0 (* 18 taxa <200 occurrence, 1 with +ve change

index, 17 with no data for change index)

Archeophytes 14

Neophytes 16

Low occurrence distribution and negative change indexLow occurrence distribution and negative change index

UK CWR Threat AssessmentUK CWR Threat AssessmentIUCN threat category No. of Native Taxa Total no. of Taxa

CR 9 10

EN 8 9

VU 35 38

NT (Near Threatened) 18 21

NS (Nationally Scarce) 84 92

LC (Least Concern) 13 14

DD (Data Deficient) 3 3

NE (Not Evaluated) 451 783

Prior ExperiencePrior Experience Need to develop protocols for genetic Need to develop protocols for genetic

reserve conservation of CWRreserve conservation of CWR

Is their existing experience?Is their existing experience?

In theory YesIn theory Yes Ammiad, IsraelAmmiad, Israel Turkish GEF projectTurkish GEF project Fertile crescent projectFertile crescent project French and Spanish experienceFrench and Spanish experience Other projects in various countries (Heywood, Other projects in various countries (Heywood,

2003)2003)

Prior ExperiencePrior Experience

In practice NoIn practice No– If we apply the Maxted If we apply the Maxted et al.et al. (1997) (1997)

definition!definition!

""Genetic Reserve ConservationGenetic Reserve Conservation - the - the location, location, management and management and monitoringmonitoring of genetic diversity in of genetic diversity in natural wild populations within natural wild populations within defined areas designated for active, defined areas designated for active, long-termlong-term conservation. conservation.

Who can we steal from?Who can we steal from?

Ecologists / Foresters / Protected area Ecologists / Foresters / Protected area managersmanagers

Is there a fundamental difference?Is there a fundamental difference?

Ecosystem versus target taxon focus and Ecosystem versus target taxon focus and emphasis on breadth of genetic baseemphasis on breadth of genetic base

Demography versus genetic diversityDemography versus genetic diversity

Formulating a ModelFormulating a Model

Objectives of this meeting:Objectives of this meeting:

– Agree population management methodologiesAgree population management methodologies

– Agree population monitoring methodologiesAgree population monitoring methodologies

Must fit within overall Must fit within overall modelmodel of genetic of genetic

conservationconservation

Pre-Conservation MeasuresPre-Conservation Measures Is there a need to understand patterns of genetic diversity Is there a need to understand patterns of genetic diversity

in the target taxon prior to designating reserve sites?in the target taxon prior to designating reserve sites?

How many reserve sites are required to conserve a CWR How many reserve sites are required to conserve a CWR using genetic reserve conservation?using genetic reserve conservation?

What impact will target taxon genetic diversity as opposed What impact will target taxon genetic diversity as opposed to ecosystem conservation have on reserve design?to ecosystem conservation have on reserve design?

How can we attempt to ensure genetic reserve How can we attempt to ensure genetic reserve sustainability?sustainability?

What level of socio-economic compromise is acceptable What level of socio-economic compromise is acceptable without compromising the genetic reserve project?without compromising the genetic reserve project?

Establishing a ModelEstablishing a Model Is the model for genetic reserve conservation proposed by Is the model for genetic reserve conservation proposed by

MaxtedMaxted et al. (1997) appropriate? et al. (1997) appropriate?

To manage the reserve must understand:To manage the reserve must understand:

– Autecology / target taxon’s ‘niche’Autecology / target taxon’s ‘niche’

– Synecology / community relationshipsSynecology / community relationships

– Population genetics and dynamicsPopulation genetics and dynamics

Formulate some form of management plan with interventionsFormulate some form of management plan with interventions

Monitor target populations to ensure management workingMonitor target populations to ensure management working

Conservation ObjectivesConservation Objectives Clearly-defined conservation objectives of a Clearly-defined conservation objectives of a

genetic reservegenetic reserve

“ “To ensure that for the target taxon the maximum To ensure that for the target taxon the maximum genetic diversity is represented within the genetic diversity is represented within the minimum number and size of genetic reserves.”minimum number and size of genetic reserves.”

Is this a good statement of the objectives?Is this a good statement of the objectives?

Single target taxon versus multiple species Single target taxon versus multiple species reserve (Heywood, 2003)reserve (Heywood, 2003)– both inside protected areas and both inside protected areas and – outside existing protected areas = genetic IPA?outside existing protected areas = genetic IPA?

Functions of Management Functions of Management PlansPlans

Functions of the management plan (Adapted from Hirons Functions of the management plan (Adapted from Hirons et alet al., 1995; Pirot ., 1995; Pirot

et alet al., 2000):., 2000):

1.1. Describe the physical and biological environment of the reserve, as well Describe the physical and biological environment of the reserve, as well

as the local social and exploitation context.as the local social and exploitation context.

2.2. Articulate the objectives and purpose of the reserve, highlighting and Articulate the objectives and purpose of the reserve, highlighting and

need for rehabilitation.need for rehabilitation.

3.3. Analysis of opportunities and threats associated with the target taxon Analysis of opportunities and threats associated with the target taxon

and reserve.and reserve.

4.4. Describes management practices required to achieve the objectives, Describes management practices required to achieve the objectives,

incorporating biological, social and economic actions at local and incorporating biological, social and economic actions at local and

broader levels.broader levels.

5.5. Identifying key research activities required.Identifying key research activities required.

6.6. Highlight expected outcomes of management.Highlight expected outcomes of management.

Functions of Management Functions of Management PlansPlans

7.7. Describes ecological monitoring practice specifying indicators, periodicity Describes ecological monitoring practice specifying indicators, periodicity

and methods. and methods.

8.8. Describes genetic monitoring practice specifying sampling, indicators, Describes genetic monitoring practice specifying sampling, indicators,

periodicity and methods.periodicity and methods.

9.9. Organise decision making, human and financial resources.Organise decision making, human and financial resources.

10.10. Specification of means of involving and informing various stakeholders.Specification of means of involving and informing various stakeholders.

11.11. Act as a training guide for new staff.Act as a training guide for new staff.

12.12. Ensure consistency between reserve, national and regional conservation Ensure consistency between reserve, national and regional conservation

plans.plans.

13.13. Ensure site management reflect the policies of parent organisations.Ensure site management reflect the policies of parent organisations.

14.14. Facilitate reporting, communication and collaboration among genetic Facilitate reporting, communication and collaboration among genetic

reserves.reserves.

Change is Natural!Change is Natural! Communities are intrinsically dynamic and change is ‘natural’Communities are intrinsically dynamic and change is ‘natural’

– Stochastic - drought, floods, fire, cyclones, hurricanes and epidemicsStochastic - drought, floods, fire, cyclones, hurricanes and epidemics

– Successional - directional, halted by management interventionSuccessional - directional, halted by management intervention

– Cyclical - density-dependent interactions, dramatic but their effects do not Cyclical - density-dependent interactions, dramatic but their effects do not

persist (genetic drift)persist (genetic drift)

Changes due to human activity are more dramatic, having Changes due to human activity are more dramatic, having

permanent effects, often resulting in ‘islands’ of biodiversitypermanent effects, often resulting in ‘islands’ of biodiversity

Human activity may create habitats, e.g. agriculture land, Human activity may create habitats, e.g. agriculture land,

roadsides is the favoured habitat of the relatives of several roadsides is the favoured habitat of the relatives of several

important crops.important crops.

Do demography changes equate to changes in genetic Do demography changes equate to changes in genetic

diversity?diversity?

Genetic ManagementGenetic Management

Features of genetic managementFeatures of genetic management

– Whether it is possible to manage genetic diversity without also Whether it is possible to manage genetic diversity without also

managing the broader community and ecosystem?managing the broader community and ecosystem?

– What is the size and structure of the community and population to What is the size and structure of the community and population to

maintain diversity? maintain diversity?

– How to monitor the ecological and genetic dynamics of the system?How to monitor the ecological and genetic dynamics of the system?

Jain (1975) notes that no primary crops or their progenitors are Jain (1975) notes that no primary crops or their progenitors are

associated with climax vegetation, they are associated with associated with climax vegetation, they are associated with

disturbed open habitats (note: unlike forestry GR species)disturbed open habitats (note: unlike forestry GR species)

– The implication of this is the genetic reserves will require active The implication of this is the genetic reserves will require active

management if we wish to avoid successions extinguishing our target management if we wish to avoid successions extinguishing our target

taxontaxon

Genetic Reserve Management Genetic Reserve Management PlanPlan

1.1. PreamblePreamble: conservation objectives, reasons for siting of reserve, place : conservation objectives, reasons for siting of reserve, place of reserve in overall conservation strategy for target taxon.of reserve in overall conservation strategy for target taxon.

2.2. Taxon descriptionTaxon description: taxonomy (classification, delimitation, description, : taxonomy (classification, delimitation, description, iconography, identification aids), wider distribution, habitat iconography, identification aids), wider distribution, habitat preferences, phenology, breeding system, genotypic and phenotypic preferences, phenology, breeding system, genotypic and phenotypic variation, biotic interactions (e.g. pollinators, dispersal agents, variation, biotic interactions (e.g. pollinators, dispersal agents, herbivores, pests, pathogens, symbionts), local name(s) and uses, herbivores, pests, pathogens, symbionts), local name(s) and uses, other uses, present conservation activities (other uses, present conservation activities (ex situex situ and and in situin situ), threat ), threat of genetic erosion.of genetic erosion.

3.3. Site evaluationSite evaluation: evaluation of populations of the target taxon, reserve : evaluation of populations of the target taxon, reserve sustainability, factors influencing management (legal, constraints of sustainability, factors influencing management (legal, constraints of tenure and access), externalities (e.g. climate change, political tenure and access), externalities (e.g. climate change, political considerations), obligations to local people (e.g. allowing sustainable considerations), obligations to local people (e.g. allowing sustainable harvesting) and anthropomorphic influences.harvesting) and anthropomorphic influences.

4.4. Site descriptionSite description: location (latitude, longitude, altitude), map coverage, : location (latitude, longitude, altitude), map coverage, photographs (including aerial), physical description (geology, photographs (including aerial), physical description (geology, geomorphology, climate, hydrology, soils), human population (both geomorphology, climate, hydrology, soils), human population (both within reserve and around it), land use and land tenure (and history of within reserve and around it), land use and land tenure (and history of both), vegetation and flora, fauna, cultural significance, public interest both), vegetation and flora, fauna, cultural significance, public interest (including educational and recreational potential), bibliography and (including educational and recreational potential), bibliography and register of scientific research.register of scientific research.

Genetic Reserve Management Genetic Reserve Management PlanPlan

5.5. Status of target taxon in the reserveStatus of target taxon in the reserve: distribution, : distribution, abundance, demography, and genetic structure and abundance, demography, and genetic structure and diversity of the target taxon within the site, diversity of the target taxon within the site, autecology within the reserve, interaction with autecology within the reserve, interaction with associated fauna and flora, specific threats to associated fauna and flora, specific threats to population(s).population(s).

6.6. Site objectives and policySite objectives and policy: site objectives, control of : site objectives, control of human intervention, allowable sustainable human intervention, allowable sustainable harvesting by local people and general genetic harvesting by local people and general genetic resource exploitation.resource exploitation.

7.7. PrescriptionPrescription: details (timing, frequency, duration etc) : details (timing, frequency, duration etc) of management interventions that will need to be of management interventions that will need to be carried out, schedule of ecological and genetic carried out, schedule of ecological and genetic monitoring, population mapping, staffing monitoring, population mapping, staffing requirements and budget, project register.requirements and budget, project register.

Genetic Reserve Management Genetic Reserve Management PlanPlan

Is this an appropriate formulation for a genetic reserve Is this an appropriate formulation for a genetic reserve management plan?management plan?

Each reserve is likely to require a unique management Each reserve is likely to require a unique management planplan

Management plan will involve experimentation and Management plan will involve experimentation and evolution, but is essentially an attempt to maintain evolution, but is essentially an attempt to maintain site dynamics and a ‘healthy’ target taxon population site dynamics and a ‘healthy’ target taxon population that approximates the MVPthat approximates the MVP

MVP and MDA will need to be larger for genetic MVP and MDA will need to be larger for genetic conservation!conservation!

Assess success by monitoringAssess success by monitoring

Monitoring a Genetic Monitoring a Genetic ReserveReserve

Reserve UtilisationReserve Utilisation Genetic reserve conservation should be Genetic reserve conservation should be

linked to utilisationlinked to utilisation

Genetic reserve conservation and on-Genetic reserve conservation and on-farm projects are not ends in farm projects are not ends in themselvesthemselves

How can genetic reserve conserved How can genetic reserve conserved diversity best be utilised?diversity best be utilised?

Reserve UsersReserve Users Traditional usersTraditional users

– Reserves are not established in an Reserves are not established in an anthropogenic vacuumanthropogenic vacuum

– Continued local use = project supportContinued local use = project support– Compromise scientific management Compromise scientific management

regimeregime– Dana Nature Reserve, JordanDana Nature Reserve, Jordan

How can local peoples development How can local peoples development aspirations be integrated into genetic aspirations be integrated into genetic reserve conservation activities?reserve conservation activities?

Reserve UsersReserve Users

General usersGeneral users– Local, national or international populationLocal, national or international population– Require their supportRequire their support– Encourage site visits / Qal'at Al Hosn & Encourage site visits / Qal'at Al Hosn &

Al Sala Hadeen, Syria Al Sala Hadeen, Syria

How can the general public be How can the general public be encourages to use and support encourages to use and support genetic reserve conservation genetic reserve conservation activities?activities?

Qal'at Sala Hadeen, SyriaQal'at Sala Hadeen, Syria

Reserve UsersReserve Users Professional usersProfessional users

– Plant breedersPlant breeders– PharmacologistsPharmacologists– Characterise and publiciseCharacterise and publicise– Complement to Complement to ex situex situ conservation conservation

How can professional germplasm users How can professional germplasm users gain access to and be encourages to gain access to and be encourages to use genetic reserve conserved use genetic reserve conserved diversity?diversity?

Complementary Complementary Ex SituEx Situ ConservationConservation

Questions to be AnsweredQuestions to be Answered Is the definition of genetic reserve conservation Is the definition of genetic reserve conservation

acceptable?acceptable?

Is there a difference between wild species and crop wild Is there a difference between wild species and crop wild relative conservation?relative conservation?

Is their existing experience genetic reserve conservation of Is their existing experience genetic reserve conservation of CWRs?CWRs?

Is the model for genetic reserve conservation proposed by Is the model for genetic reserve conservation proposed by Maxted et al. (1997) appropriate?Maxted et al. (1997) appropriate?

What are the conservation objectives of genetic reserve What are the conservation objectives of genetic reserve conservation?conservation?

Questions to be AnsweredQuestions to be Answered Is there a need to understand patterns of genetic diversity Is there a need to understand patterns of genetic diversity

in the target taxon prior to designating reserve sites?in the target taxon prior to designating reserve sites?

How many reserve sites are required to conserve a CWR How many reserve sites are required to conserve a CWR using genetic reserve conservation?using genetic reserve conservation?

What impact will target taxon genetic diversity as opposed What impact will target taxon genetic diversity as opposed to ecosystem conservation have on reserve design?to ecosystem conservation have on reserve design?

How can we attempt to ensure genetic reserve How can we attempt to ensure genetic reserve sustainability?sustainability?

What level of socio-economic compromise is acceptable What level of socio-economic compromise is acceptable without compromising the genetic reserve project?without compromising the genetic reserve project?

What is an appropriate formulation for a genetic reserve What is an appropriate formulation for a genetic reserve management plan?management plan?

Questions to be AnsweredQuestions to be Answered How should a population be managed, what interventions How should a population be managed, what interventions

are required?are required?

What monitoring regime is most appropriate?What monitoring regime is most appropriate?

How can genetic reserve conserved diversity best be How can genetic reserve conserved diversity best be utilised?utilised?

– How can local peoples development aspirations be integrated How can local peoples development aspirations be integrated into genetic reserve conservation activities?into genetic reserve conservation activities?

– How can the general public be encourages to use and support How can the general public be encourages to use and support genetic reserve conservation activities?genetic reserve conservation activities?

– How can the professional germplasm users gain access to and How can the professional germplasm users gain access to and be encourages to use genetic reserve conserved diversity?be encourages to use genetic reserve conserved diversity?

ConclusionConclusion

Growing interest in biodiversity conservation, Growing interest in biodiversity conservation, particularly applying particularly applying in situin situ techniques. techniques.

In situIn situ genetic conservation is in its “infancy” (Jain, genetic conservation is in its “infancy” (Jain, 1975; Hawkes, 1991; Heywood, 2003)1975; Hawkes, 1991; Heywood, 2003)

Sustainability is key – Sustainability is key – too many short term projectstoo many short term projects!!

Time for protocols for CWR conservation in genetic Time for protocols for CWR conservation in genetic reserves as a complement to reserves as a complement to ex situex situ seed storage seed storage activitiesactivities

This workshop is an opportunity for us to lead the way!This workshop is an opportunity for us to lead the way!