Plant ecology and conservation in international cooperation: Approaches and methodologies

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation has fostered international efforts to achieve its objectives and targets also through capacity building and technology transfer. To this aim, scientific research and activities are among the most suitable means for the implementation of the strategy in developing countries, where the lack of trained people and appropriate facilities contributes, together with an often uncontrolled development and an increasing population, to put species and ecosystems at risk of extinction. In this issue, a collection of contributions discussing theoretical issues and presenting innovative methods of investigation and practical questions related to plant ecology and conservation is presented for sharing experiences and stimulating new initiatives.