Article in Science about the challenge for seedbanks and botanic gardens in responding to the large quantities of seed needed for restoration ecology. Restoration Seed Banks—A Matter of ScaleScience 22 April 2011: 332 (6028), 424-425. [DOI:10.1126/science.1203083]
Number 53 of the long-running UK biodiversity news is available from JNCC. Reference to the new biodiversity strategy for England, and to international biodiversity day - it looks as though we are inching towards a defined national biodiversity week for the UK in May, which would be a useful complement to Science Week. Also reference to publication of a new White Paper in June, with the National Ecosystem Assessment.
Article in Science on the financial vulnerability of developing world institutions that have developed paraecology. Craig Simons Uncertain Future for Tropical Ecology Science 15 April 2011: Vol. 332 no. 6027 pp. 298-299 DOI: 10.1126/science.332.6027.298
Can we do biology without names? Challenging post from Rod Page on the names/Genbank/new biology/microbiology questions. Comments from Janzen, Schindel and others.
Useful article in Science on the difficult issue of marine genetic resources, patents and equity outside areas of national jurisdiction. Arnaud-Haond S et al (2011) Marine Biodiversity and Gene Patents Science 25 March 2011: 331 (6024), 1521-1522. [DOI:10.1126/science.1200783]
Natural History Museum flickr photostream for beetle identification.
A report on status of Irish Biodiversity from the National Biodiversity Centre has been released, together with gaps in terms of taxonomic tools and skills, databases and other needs.
Dawson, T P et.al (2011) Beyond Predictions: Biodiversity Conservation in a Changing Climate Science 1 April 2011: 332 (6025), 53-58. [DOI:10.1126/science.1200303]
A useful REDD+ Manual for Botanic Gardens , and the role of botanic gardens in implementation is available from BGCI (Botanic Gardens Conservation International). Interest in research, mapping, monitoring, seed banks, capacity building and other themes. (REDD is Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing countries)
