British and African conservationists have joined forces to protect endangered plants in sub-Saharan countries.
Officials from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew said on Thursday they are leading the three-year partnership that involves botanists from 16 sub-Saharan countries, supported by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute.
Representatives from countries including Kenya, Uganda and Zambia are currently participating in a week-long workshop at the Millennium Seed Bank in Ardingly, southern England.
Officials said a £187 000 ($300 000) grant from the British government will be used to conserve valuable endangered trees in sub-Saharan countries.
”Forests in the region are disappearing each year and some 60 priority tree species have been identified for immediate conservation actions and sustainable management,” said Kew botanist Moctar Sacandi. – Sapa-AP