EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTED TOWARDS THE PRESERVATION OF VENEZUELAN ANDEAN BRYOPHYTES

Accession number;05A0192027
Title;EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTED TOWARDS THE PRESERVATION OF VENEZUELAN ANDEAN BRYOPHYTES
Author; LEON V Y (Univ. Los Andes Merida, La Hechicera, Ven) USSHER M M S (Univ. Los Andes Merida, La Hechicera, Ven)
Journal Title;J Hattori Bot Lab
Journal Code:Y0255A
ISSN:0073-0912
VOL.;NO.97;PAGE.227-231(2005)
Figure&Table&Reference;FIG.4, REF.6
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;English
Abstract;In many tropical countries, severe bryophyte harvest from montane ecosystems takes place during the Christmas season each year. Bryophyte species are sold in local markets as decorations for nativity scenes; this is an ancient Andean tradition that has now been adopted by people in cities and towns outside of the Andes. This commerce involving bryophytes has grown in such a way that it threatens natural ecosystems, such as paramos and cloud forests, as well as invertebrates and vascular plant seedlings that live amongst or germinate in bryophytes. An educational program, directed towards the local Andean communities, was designed to minimize the impact of the massive seasonal bryophyte extraction. This programme was based at the Universidad de Los Andes-Centro Jardin Botanico and involved extensive collaboration with the local government and communities. The educational effort was directed towards teachers from elementary and high schools, and people from public institutions and environmental groups. The programme focuses on the role of bryophytes in the local ecosystems, and their importance in water storage and soil protection. Conferences for both children and adults were designed to bring the information to a diverse range of people in the local communities. The conferences were accompanied by information brochures and a campaign in local newspapers, on radio and television. For the first time, governmental institutions and the Universidad de Los Andes work together towards bryophyte conservation in this important and fragile ecosystem. (author abst.)
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