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- Given that biological collections of species cannot ensure the maintenance of all ecological processes, researchers associated with the project consider that the preservation of habitats is a priority objective to save species that are endangered or at risk. In this context, ex situ conservation is a complementary measure to saving the genetic potential of endangered populations.
- When collecting rare species, it is important to ensure that the short-term and long-term survival of the population or populations where harvests are taking place is not compromised in any way. For this reason, when collecting rare species of a population, only a very small portion of its seeds or living material will be taken, so as not to cause harm to the population.
- When genetic material is collected from natural populations, informed consent from government authorities and any other party that could be affected must be obtained.
- In order to obtain informed consent with respect to acquiring genetic resources and in combination with our educational component, affected persons will be fully informed of the acquisition, management and use of these genetic resources. We will also make owners of private property aware of the ecological value of plants on their property.
- So as not to endanger populations of rare species, all information concerning the location of our rare plant harvesting activities will be kept confidential and will only be disclosed to qualified employees of the Ministère de l'Environnement du Québec or other endangered species conservation professionals. Knowledge about new population locations must only be disclosed to the Centre de Données sur le Patrimoine Naturel du Québec.
- More specifically, ethical seed collection:
- will be supported by available publications that specifically address clone development and reproductive capacity of the targeted species. In these publications, a very safe harvesting threshold for the plant population will be set, so as not to place stress on reproduction and the survival of the population.must cover the project’s propagation needs as well as mailings to seed banks.
- must cover the project’s propagation needs as well as mailings to seed banks.
- If targeted species do not produce enough seeds, their reproduction is predominantly vegetative and the number of individuals or cuttings is relatively large, it is then possible to gather a living part of the plant.
- All ex situ populations of each targeted species introduced into the Jardin botanique de Montréal will be monitored very closely for data including location, population, number, survival and the possibility of harvesting seeds.