The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) set a number of targets to work towards by 2010 in order to aid conserve the world’s biodiversity. Several countries are now aiming at ex-situ and in-situ programmes for the protection and conservation of plant species through the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation targets (GSPC). | Turk J Bot 32 (2008) 465-469 © TÜBİTAK Conservation in Developing Countries Shahina A. GHAZANFAR Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB - . Received: Accepted: Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) set a number of targets to work towards by 2010 in order to aid conserve the world’s biodiversity. Several countries are now aiming at ex-situ and in-situ programmes for the protection and conservation of plant species through the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation targets (GSPC). Is it possible to achieve these targets in rapidly developing countries where the usage of land for urban expansion and agriculture to support basic human needs holds priority? How can conservation and development be sustainable? I take examples from a rapidly developing country in the Arabian Peninsula to show the difficulties faced for conservation programmes through lack of education, awareness, changing behaviour patterns, lack of community-based management programmes, and most importantly where the costs of implementation of conservation programmes cannot be met. Key Words: Arabia, conservation, CBD, developing countries, GSPC, public awareness, urban development Introduction We all recognise the widespread and accelerated loss of biological diversity and the importance of this loss to a region’s economy and culture, and the need to do something about conserving and preserving it. Whether a country is rich or poor, the problems are similar: habitat destruction, intensive agriculture, overgrazing, pollution, development, over exploitation, introduced competitors and predators. As for the problems, the solutions are set as well: setting priorities, planning, monitoring, diagnosing problems, management, legislation, education, public awareness, and integrating development and conservation (Sutherland, 2006). Whereas in most countries problems for the loss of their biodiversity have been identified, the solutions have been .
