Conservation of threatened species: activities and collaborations within the network

A decade is a period too short to declare the maturity and consolidation of any scientific organization, but enough to highlight the contribution of the seed-banks of the network to the mission of the Italian flora conservation, particularly of the most threatened species. The term ‘mission’ reminds us of the purpose of RIBES, but also of the hard conditions in which many Italian seed-banks operate. Despite these difficulties, especially regarding the financial resources, the number of germplasm accessions of threatened species has reached a level of significance that is recognized by the institutions both nationally and internationally. With this first publication the editors would like to provide a brief anthology of the experiences carried out by the RIBES seed-banks. It deals with experimental activities and projects in the field of ex situ conservation, particularly with the knowledge on germination and propagation of rare or threatened species, and with study-cases showing how this activity is essential for the in situ conservation. The contributions presented here show RIBES as an active and dynamic association operating throughout the territory, from the Alps to the Mediterranean, involving both research bodies, academic or not, and local authorities as provinces and Parks, and participating through its members in European projects with other important institutions.