Nature's Cornucopia

A rich and diverse base of plants supports human welfare in many ways. Yet in exploiting the benefits of plant diversity we all too often degrade it, as when changes in agricultural practices lead to the loss of traditional crop varieties, or when useful wild plants are overharvested. Protecting plant diversity begins with gene banks and protected areas, but Tuxill argues that it also means revitalizing diversity in the landscapes where we grow our food and fiber. It requires creating new partnerships between governments and agencies responsible for managing plant resources and the local communities who rely on them for their livelihood. And it means setting guidelines for sharing the benefits of plant diversity equitably--just as we all share the obligation of maintaining it.--From book jacket.