Saving plants, saving ourselves

Societal Impact StatementHumans, as a species, are very new on Earth, but we have had a profound effect on the Planet. The global ecosystem is necessary for every aspect of our lives; yet, we are not safeguarding it nor protecting the biodiversity of the other organisms we share the planet with. As a species, we depend on plants and agriculture for our very existence and they need to receive greater attention and focus. Plant scientists can work together to achieve a robust and sustainable future for all.SummaryThe future of the Earth and its inhabitants has never been more uncertain, but there is still time for us to prevent further catastrophe. Plant scientists have a crucial role to play in the preservation of plant biodiversity and crop genetic diversity, both vital goals that will have a major impact on the success or failure of humanity’s attempts to prevent ecological disaster. At the 2017 International Botanical Congress in Shenzhen, China, a series of suggestions for the many important ways in which plant scientists could contribute to a sustainable future were proposed, and were accepted by the Delegates of the meeting. These included: conducting research in the context of the changing world, promoting plant science and international collaboration, building platforms for big data, generating a full inventory of plant species, protecting indigenous knowledge, and engaging the power of the public. Here, I describe this Shenzhen Declaration, the threats it aims to mitigate, and the key roles that plant scientists must play for the future benefit of mankind.