• Plant Conservation Links and Resources

    AHPA Report 


    This report presents the findings of the fifth survey conducted by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) to quantify annual harvests of certain North American herbs in commerce. The specific focus of the current survey was on harvests in 2004 and in 2005 of those plants that are used as ingredients in herbal products and that are subject to, for at least some part of their market demand, harvest from wild (uncultivated) populations.

    Links 


    PLANT CONSERVATION CENTER ORGANIZATIONS


    ACADEMIC ORGANIZATIONS


    SUSTAINABLE NATURAL PRODUCT ORGANIZATIONS


    • Agribusiness in Sustainability Natural African Plant Products (ASNAPP)

      Website: www.asnapp.org

      Description: ASNAPP's overall aim is to build capacity for the development of sustainable natural plant product businesses in a socially and environmentally sensitive manner. The project was initiated in 1999 to help develop the natural products sector in Africa by promoting income-generating activities for rural entrepreneurs in such a way that improves the livelihoods of rural communities. This site is a good resource for links to sourcing and product development training and networking opportunities in essential oils, medicinals and aromatic plants.

    • Botanical Liaisons

      Website: www.botanicalliaisons.com

      Botanical Liaisons is a consulting firm supporting sustainable development of botanical ingredients. Their mission is to establish a successful value-based business supporting biological and cultural diversity by effectively adapting traditional intellectual property into socially sound projects which are mutually beneficial to native communities and creative entrepreneurs in the natural products marketplace.

    • IUCN – The World Conservation Union

      Website: http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/susg/bgrnd/intro.html

      IUCN draws on an international network of volunteers - over 450 - working together to understand the contextual factors that influence sustainable use. Several regional networks have been established within the IUCN SSC Sustainable Use Specialist Group (SUSG) which generate case studies of sustainable projects, compile inventories of relevant actors, policies, projects, and approaches, and provide valuable overviews of the activities and challenges in their regions.

    • PhytoAfrica

      Website: www.sanprota.com/services/marketing.htm

      PhytoTrade Africa's Mission Statement is to facilitate the development of a viable and enduring natural products industry in southern Africa, engaged in both domestic and export trade and based on resources accessible to poor rural communities. PhytoTrade Africa's work is based on marketing services - linking overseas buyers with rural African producers. Products from PhytoTrade members are available either directly from source, through the individual members themselves, or through PhytoTrade's own marketing agents.

    • Virginia Tech

      Website: www.sfp.forprod.vt.edu

      The Virginia Tech Department of Wood Science and Forest Products, the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station and the Top of the Ozarks RC&D in Missouri, through the initial support of the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Economic Action Programs, are collaborating to develop and operate this first web site devoted to gathering information on products and markets. We seek to provide information in simple formats and serve as a national clearing house that is useful by non-timber forest products (NTFPs) harvesters and growers, marketers, processors, and end-users.

    HERBAL MEDICINE ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCES

    • American Herbalists Guild

      website: http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/

    • Herbmed

      Website: www.herbmed.org

      HerbMed® - an interactive, electronic herbal database - provides hyperlinked access to the scientific data underlying the use of herbs for health. It is an impartial, evidence-based information resource provided by the nonprofit Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc. This public site provides free access to 40 herbs.

    • Herb Research Foundation

      Website: www.herbs.org

      The Herb Research Foundation is a source of accurate, science-based information on the health benefits and safety of herbs---and expertise in sustainable botanical resource development.

    FILMS & BOOKS


    • Numen Film

      Website:www.numenfilm.com

      Description: "Numen is a magnificent depiction of the healing essence of plants. The filmmakers captured the magic, the mystery, the beauty of plants and their importance as herbal medicine in our contemporary health care system. Inspiring and educational, Numen has a place in the library of anyone interested in medicine, plants, gardening and earth ecology. It’s a powerful film that I'll recommend that everyone see”
      ~ Rosemary Gladstar, Herbalist

    • Our Common Roots

      website: http://our-common-roots.com/


      Description: A film, unveiling our global traditions of healing with plants.


    • Bush Medicine of the Bahamas

      Website: www.bushmedicine.org

      Description: Bush Medicine of the Bahamas: A Cross-cultural Perspective from San Salvador Island, including Pharmacology and Oral Histories.

    PLANT & SEED RESOURCES PLANT CONSERVATION CENTER ORGANIZATIONS


    ACADEMIC ORGANIZATIONS


    SUSTAINABLE NATURAL PRODUCT ORGANIZATIONS


    • Agribusiness in Sustainability Natural African Plant Products (ASNAPP)

      Website: www.asnapp.org

      Description: ASNAPP's overall aim is to build capacity for the development of sustainable natural plant product businesses in a socially and environmentally sensitive manner. The project was initiated in 1999 to help develop the natural products sector in Africa by promoting income-generating activities for rural entrepreneurs in such a way that improves the livelihoods of rural communities. This site is a good resource for links to sourcing and product development training and networking opportunities in essential oils, medicinals and aromatic plants.

    • Botanical Liaisons

      Website: www.botanicalliaisons.com

      Botanical Liaisons is a consulting firm supporting sustainable development of botanical ingredients. Their mission is to establish a successful value-based business supporting biological and cultural diversity by effectively adapting traditional intellectual property into socially sound projects which are mutually beneficial to native communities and creative entrepreneurs in the natural products marketplace.

    • IUCN – The World Conservation Union

      Website: http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/susg/bgrnd/intro.html

      IUCN draws on an international network of volunteers - over 450 - working together to understand the contextual factors that influence sustainable use. Several regional networks have been established within the IUCN SSC Sustainable Use Specialist Group (SUSG) which generate case studies of sustainable projects, compile inventories of relevant actors, policies, projects, and approaches, and provide valuable overviews of the activities and challenges in their regions.

    • PhytoAfrica

      Website: www.sanprota.com/services/marketing.htm

      PhytoTrade Africa's Mission Statement is to facilitate the development of a viable and enduring natural products industry in southern Africa, engaged in both domestic and export trade and based on resources accessible to poor rural communities. PhytoTrade Africa's work is based on marketing services - linking overseas buyers with rural African producers. Products from PhytoTrade members are available either directly from source, through the individual members themselves, or through PhytoTrade's own marketing agents.

    • Virginia Tech

      Website: www.sfp.forprod.vt.edu

      The Virginia Tech Department of Wood Science and Forest Products, the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station and the Top of the Ozarks RC&D in Missouri, through the initial support of the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Economic Action Programs, are collaborating to develop and operate this first web site devoted to gathering information on products and markets. We seek to provide information in simple formats and serve as a national clearing house that is useful by non-timber forest products (NTFPs) harvesters and growers, marketers, processors, and end-users.

    HERBAL MEDICINE ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCES

    • American Herbalists Guild

      website: http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/

    • Herbmed

      Website: www.herbmed.org

      HerbMed® - an interactive, electronic herbal database - provides hyperlinked access to the scientific data underlying the use of herbs for health. It is an impartial, evidence-based information resource provided by the nonprofit Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc. This public site provides free access to 40 herbs.

    • Herb Research Foundation

      Website: www.herbs.org

      The Herb Research Foundation is a source of accurate, science-based information on the health benefits and safety of herbs---and expertise in sustainable botanical resource development.

    FILMS & BOOKS


    • Numen Film

      Website:www.numenfilm.com

      Description: "Numen is a magnificent depiction of the healing essence of plants. The filmmakers captured the magic, the mystery, the beauty of plants and their importance as herbal medicine in our contemporary health care system. Inspiring and educational, Numen has a place in the library of anyone interested in medicine, plants, gardening and earth ecology. It’s a powerful film that I'll recommend that everyone see”
      ~ Rosemary Gladstar, Herbalist

    • Our Common Roots

      website: http://our-common-roots.com/


      Description: A film, unveiling our global traditions of healing with plants.


    • Bush Medicine of the Bahamas

      Website: www.bushmedicine.org

      Description: Bush Medicine of the Bahamas: A Cross-cultural Perspective from San Salvador Island, including Pharmacology and Oral Histories.

    PLANT & SEED RESOURCES

    • Horizon Herbs

      Website: www.horizonherbs.com

      Description: Seeds of Medicine, Seeds of Sustenance - certified organic medicinal herb and vegetable seeds, plants and roots.

    (Please see our list of nurseries and seeds sources for native plants)

    OTHER ORGANIZATIONS


    • Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)

      Website: www.bsr.org

      BSR has helped companies of all sizes and sectors to achieve success in ways that demonstrate respect for ethical values, people, communities and the environment. A leading global resource for the business community and thought leaders around the world, BSR equips its member companies with the expertise to design and implement successful, socially responsible business policies, practices and processes.

    • Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

      Website: www.fao.org/english/newsroom/news/2003/22859-en.html

      FAO is the UN agency that deals with medicinal and aromatic plants as part of their non-wood forest products program. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy.

    • Forest Trends

      Website: www.forest-trends.org

      The mission of Forest Trends emphasizes promoting incentives and "accelerating the evolution of economic systems" that will result in the maintenance and restoration of forest ecosystems. It also identifies three goals: new commerce for ecosystem services, market recognition for sustainable management, and equitable distribution of benefits from commerce returned to local communities.

    • International Union of Forest Research Organization (IUFRO)

      Website: www.iufro.org

      IUFRO is a non-profit, non-governmental international network of forest scientists. Its objective is to promote international cooperation in forestry and forest products research.

    • Marine Aquarium Council

      Website: www.aquariumcouncil.org

      The Marine Aquarium Council works to conserve coral reefs and other marine ecosystems by creating standards and certification for parties engaged in the collection and care of ornamental marine life from reef to aquarium.

    • Rainforest Alliance

      Website: www.rainforest-alliance.org

      The mission of the Rainforest Alliance is to protect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Companies, cooperatives and landowners that participate in our programs meet rigorous standards that conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods.

    • TRAFFIC

      Website: www.traffic.org/news/press-releases/balkan_plant.html

      TRAFFIC is the wildlife trade monitoring network, which works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. This link is to an article on medicinal and aromatic plants in the Balkans. The German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), WWF Germany and TRAFFIC Europe, call for action to fix and implement measures to avert the further depletion of medicinal and aromatic plant populations in the Balkan countries.

    • NatureServe

      Website:www.natureserve.org

      NatureServe is a non-profit conservation organization that provides the scientific information and tools needed to help guide effective conservation action. NatureServe and its network of natural heritage programs are the leading source for information about rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems.


      NatureServe represents an international network of biological inventories—known as natural heritage programs or conservation data centers—operating in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Together we not only collect and manage detailed local information on plants, animals, and ecosystems, but develop information products, data management tools, and conservation services to help meet local, national, and global conservation needs. The objective scientific information about species and ecosystems developed by NatureServe is used by all sectors of society—conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public—to make informed decisions about managing our natural resources.

    CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCES


    • EarthScan

      Website: www.earthscan.co.uk

      Earthscan is one of the leading publishers in Sustainable Development. Their authoritative books, magazines and journals provide valuable references.

    • East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative (EAPEI)

      Website: http://eapei.home.att.net

      The East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative (EAPEI) addresses critical environmental challenges and opportunities in East Asia and the Pacific in the areas of forest resources management and coastal and marine resources management.*They offer links to a list of resources to increase partner effectiveness in their 'Partner Tool Shed'.

    • Global Development Alliance – USAID

      Website: www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_partnerships/gda

      USAID's Global Development Alliance (GDA) works to enhance development impact by mobilizing the ideas, efforts and resources of the public sector with those of the private sector and non-governmental organizations. The Global Development Alliance (GDA) is USAID's commitment to change the way we implement our assistance mandate. GDA mobilizes the ideas, efforts and resources of governments, businesses and civil society by forging public-private alliances to stimulate economic growth, develop businesses and workforces, address health and environmental issues, and expand access to education and technology.

    • International Forestry Review

      Website: www.cfa-international.org

      The International Forestry Review is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes papers, comments and book reviews covering forest science, policy, management and conservation.

    • Developing Forest Stewardship Standards – A Survival Guide

      Website: www.illegal-logging.info/papers/Developing_Forest_Stewardship.pdf

      This guide is a practical handbook intended for all stakeholders involved in the development of FSC standards worldwide. It aims at describing in simple terms the various steps, which underlie the whole process. It includes sections on national initiatives, FSC working groups, funding, drafting of the standard, consultation, field-testing and regional harmonization. A special chapter is devoted to potential problems that may be encountered during the standard-setting process and tips to avoid them. The guide draws on the past experience of various FSC working groups in 13 different countries. Boxes and case studies from all around the world illustrate some of the concrete challenges working groups have had and the ways they have dealt with them, in the hope that it will help new working groups plan their activities and anticipate and avoid some of the problems experienced by working groups that have completed a national FSC standard.

    • World Business Council for Sustainable Development

      Website: www.wbcsd.org

      The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) brings together some 180 international companies in a shared commitment to sustainable development through economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. Our members are drawn from more than 30 countries and 20 major industrial sectors. We also benefit from a global network of 50+ national and regional business councils and partner organizations.

      Our mission is to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development, and to support the business license to operate, innovate and grow in a world increasingly shaped by sustainable development issues.

    • The Society for Ecological Restoration

      Website: SER.org

      International launches an innovative industry tool today, the Global Restoration Network (GRN)-a free, online hub for comprehensive information on ecological restoration at GlobalRestorationNetwork.org. A unique industry resource, the interactive website is rich with data, information, expertise and the latest techniques and innovations in restoration. Freely accessible to anyone in the world who has an Internet connection, users can now find the exact information they need to research, implement and improve their ecological restoration projects in three clicks or less.

      Global Restoration Network (GRN) is an innovative project of the Society for Ecological Restoration International that offers the field of ecological restoration innovative tools and resources to better navigate the international scope of global restoration. For more information,

      visit GlobalRestorationNetwork.org.


    OTHER WEBSITES



    If you have resources that you think we should add please send us an email to office@unitedplantsavers.org subject line: weblinks - send us the website and category that you think the website should be added.



    • Horizon Herbs

      Website: www.horizonherbs.com

      Description: Seeds of Medicine, Seeds of Sustenance - certified organic medicinal herb and vegetable seeds, plants and roots.

    (Please see our list of nurseries and seeds sources for native plants)

    OTHER ORGANIZATIONS


    • Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)

      Website: www.bsr.org

      BSR has helped companies of all sizes and sectors to achieve success in ways that demonstrate respect for ethical values, people, communities and the environment. A leading global resource for the business community and thought leaders around the world, BSR equips its member companies with the expertise to design and implement successful, socially responsible business policies, practices and processes.

    • Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

      Website: www.fao.org/english/newsroom/news/2003/22859-en.html

      FAO is the UN agency that deals with medicinal and aromatic plants as part of their non-wood forest products program. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy.

    • Forest Trends

      Website: www.forest-trends.org

      The mission of Forest Trends emphasizes promoting incentives and "accelerating the evolution of economic systems" that will result in the maintenance and restoration of forest ecosystems. It also identifies three goals: new commerce for ecosystem services, market recognition for sustainable management, and equitable distribution of benefits from commerce returned to local communities.

    • International Union of Forest Research Organization (IUFRO)

      Website: www.iufro.org

      IUFRO is a non-profit, non-governmental international network of forest scientists. Its objective is to promote international cooperation in forestry and forest products research.

    • Marine Aquarium Council

      Website: www.aquariumcouncil.org

      The Marine Aquarium Council works to conserve coral reefs and other marine ecosystems by creating standards and certification for parties engaged in the collection and care of ornamental marine life from reef to aquarium.

    • Rainforest Alliance

      Website: www.rainforest-alliance.org

      The mission of the Rainforest Alliance is to protect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Companies, cooperatives and landowners that participate in our programs meet rigorous standards that conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods.

    • TRAFFIC

      Website: www.traffic.org/news/press-releases/balkan_plant.html

      TRAFFIC is the wildlife trade monitoring network, which works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. This link is to an article on medicinal and aromatic plants in the Balkans. The German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), WWF Germany and TRAFFIC Europe, call for action to fix and implement measures to avert the further depletion of medicinal and aromatic plant populations in the Balkan countries.

    • NatureServe

      Website:www.natureserve.org

      NatureServe is a non-profit conservation organization that provides the scientific information and tools needed to help guide effective conservation action. NatureServe and its network of natural heritage programs are the leading source for information about rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems.


      NatureServe represents an international network of biological inventories—known as natural heritage programs or conservation data centers—operating in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Together we not only collect and manage detailed local information on plants, animals, and ecosystems, but develop information products, data management tools, and conservation services to help meet local, national, and global conservation needs. The objective scientific information about species and ecosystems developed by NatureServe is used by all sectors of society—conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public—to make informed decisions about managing our natural resources.

    CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCES


    • EarthScan

      Website: www.earthscan.co.uk

      Earthscan is one of the leading publishers in Sustainable Development. Their authoritative books, magazines and journals provide valuable references.

    • East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative (EAPEI)

      Website: http://eapei.home.att.net

      The East Asia and Pacific Environmental Initiative (EAPEI) addresses critical environmental challenges and opportunities in East Asia and the Pacific in the areas of forest resources management and coastal and marine resources management.*They offer links to a list of resources to increase partner effectiveness in their 'Partner Tool Shed'.

    • Global Development Alliance – USAID

      Website: www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_partnerships/gda

      USAID's Global Development Alliance (GDA) works to enhance development impact by mobilizing the ideas, efforts and resources of the public sector with those of the private sector and non-governmental organizations. The Global Development Alliance (GDA) is USAID's commitment to change the way we implement our assistance mandate. GDA mobilizes the ideas, efforts and resources of governments, businesses and civil society by forging public-private alliances to stimulate economic growth, develop businesses and workforces, address health and environmental issues, and expand access to education and technology.

    • International Forestry Review

      Website: www.cfa-international.org

      The International Forestry Review is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes papers, comments and book reviews covering forest science, policy, management and conservation.

    • Developing Forest Stewardship Standards – A Survival Guide

      Website: www.illegal-logging.info/papers/Developing_Forest_Stewardship.pdf

      This guide is a practical handbook intended for all stakeholders involved in the development of FSC standards worldwide. It aims at describing in simple terms the various steps, which underlie the whole process. It includes sections on national initiatives, FSC working groups, funding, drafting of the standard, consultation, field-testing and regional harmonization. A special chapter is devoted to potential problems that may be encountered during the standard-setting process and tips to avoid them. The guide draws on the past experience of various FSC working groups in 13 different countries. Boxes and case studies from all around the world illustrate some of the concrete challenges working groups have had and the ways they have dealt with them, in the hope that it will help new working groups plan their activities and anticipate and avoid some of the problems experienced by working groups that have completed a national FSC standard.

    • World Business Council for Sustainable Development

      Website: www.wbcsd.org

      The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) brings together some 180 international companies in a shared commitment to sustainable development through economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. Our members are drawn from more than 30 countries and 20 major industrial sectors. We also benefit from a global network of 50+ national and regional business councils and partner organizations.

      Our mission is to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development, and to support the business license to operate, innovate and grow in a world increasingly shaped by sustainable development issues.

    • The Society for Ecological Restoration

      Website: SER.org

      International launches an innovative industry tool today, the Global Restoration Network (GRN)-a free, online hub for comprehensive information on ecological restoration at GlobalRestorationNetwork.org. A unique industry resource, the interactive website is rich with data, information, expertise and the latest techniques and innovations in restoration. Freely accessible to anyone in the world who has an Internet connection, users can now find the exact information they need to research, implement and improve their ecological restoration projects in three clicks or less.

      Global Restoration Network (GRN) is an innovative project of the Society for Ecological Restoration International that offers the field of ecological restoration innovative tools and resources to better navigate the international scope of global restoration. For more information,

      visit GlobalRestorationNetwork.org.


    OTHER WEBSITES



    If you have resources that you think we should add please send us an email to office@unitedplantsavers.org subject line: weblinks - send us the website and category that you think the website should be added.


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Tel. (802) 476-6467 | Fax. (802) 476-3722 | Email: office@UnitedPlantSavers.org