REDBAG: more than 20 years promoting ex situ conservation of wild plants in Spain

Abstract

The work carried out by the Red Española de Bancos de Germoplasma de Plantas Silvestres y Fitorrecursos Autóctonos (REDBAG) during
the last years for the development and promotion of ex situ conservation of Spanish wild flora is presented. During 2020-2021, REDBAG
led the consultancy for the drafting of the “Directrices para la conservación ex situ de la flora silvestre en España” (MITECO, 2024). During
2022-2023, REDBAG has coordinated the “Evaluación del estado de la conservación ex situ de las especies de flora incluidas en el Catálogo
Español de Especies Amenazadas (CEEA), en el Listado de Especies Silvestres en Régimen de Protección Especial (LESRPE) y propuestas
de mejora”. This study has made it possible, on the one hand, to know the current situation of ex situ conservation of wild vascular flora
protected at the state level and, on the other hand, to define the priorities for action of the new Banco Nacional de Germoplasma Forestal
y de Flora Silvestre and the Banco de Germoplasma Forestal y de Flora Silvestre en Red, whose creation and operation are established in Real
Decreto 159/2022. Furthermore, major information gaps on conserved accessions have been identified, which should be urgently resolved
to support well-informed strategic decision-making in the future.