Protecting our green planet

Without plants, humans would not be here. Plants provide the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat and the life-saving medicines we use. Despite our reliance on them, plants are disappearing unnoticed. Well over 570 plant species have gone extinct since 1750 – twice the recorded number of bird, mammal and amphibian species combined in the same period.

Since 1903, FFI has been saving plants from the brink of extinction. From bleeding dragon trees in Cape Verde to ancient magnolias in Vietnam to obscure but genetically crucial fruit trees in Central Asia, FFI and local partners have protected some of the least familiar – and most threatened – plants on the planet.

Take one of nature’s climate change heroes – mangroves. Mangrove protection and restoration is integral to reversing biodiversity loss and combatting climate change, twin challenges that are inextricably linked. In northern Kenya, FFI and in-country partners are working to reduce the illegal exploitation of mangroves and are increasing the number of patrols carried out by local rangers. Mangrove restoration measures have included the planting of more than 35,000 mangrove seedlings since 2015.

By engaging local communities around the world to manage plant resources in a sustainable way, we can conserve endangered plants and ensure local livelihoods and traditional cultural practices prosper.