Nora Gavin-Smyth
30 species of Impatiens are endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya. Of these, 25 are listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List and three species possibly extinct. Conservation collections of germplasm could be critical for the survival of some species. This project establishes at the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute in Lushoto, Tanzania, an ex-situ conservation facility for Eastern Arc Impatiens. The aims of this project are to establish conservation germplasm reserves of at least 3 endangered Impatiens species, improve understanding of Eastern Arc Impatiens biology, serve as an outreach resource for the community, and to build local conservation capacity.
Impatiens usambarensis shadehouse.
This project partners with scientists at TAFORI, University of Dar es Salaam, and the Forestry Training Institute (Olmotonyi), and the project is managed under the leadership of Tanzanian scientists. TAFORI staff will receive training to maintain the nursery and the plants, building capacity for Tanzanian conservation professionals. This Impatiens shade house is a model for the concept, with the long-term aim to develop more in other parts of the Eastern Arc.
Header: Impatiens pseudoviola shadehouse.