Plant Conservation Strategies students at Kew's Millennium Seed Bank

Several members of staff from institutions within the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership have attended the Plant Conservation Strategies course, based at Kew and Wakehurst Place. James Mathenge from Kenya and Edwin Kathumba from Malawi both joined the course in 2005.

James Mathenge, PCS participant in 2005

James Mathenge

Kenya Wildlife Service, one of our Seeds for Life Project partners in Kenya.

"I am responsible for generating and making available, in an easy-to-understand format, scientific information which will enhance the management of Kenya's natural resources, both fauna and flora. Currently, among other partnerships, we have a link with RBG Kew in implementing the aims of the MSB.

The Seeds for Life Project aims to conserve Kenya's indigenous plants, primarily from arid and semi-arid lands. This involves collecting seed and herbarium material in an ecologically sustainable manner, storing them for long-term safe-keeping and establishing community seed centres and indigenous species demonstration plantings in three focal districts.

The PCS course has really widened my skills. The global approach to the course has really transformed me. Back home, I will apply the skills I acquired to enhance the management and conservation of plant genetic resources and their sustainable utilization."

Edwin Kathumba, PCS participant in 2005

Edwin Kathumba

National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens, one of our Malawi partners

"I really enjoyed the PCS course and have learnt different strategies to conserve plants. Kew is a very special centre and an inspiring place where different plant science technologies can be obtained.

The broadly-based course content offers important skills for herbarium and botanical management. In short, I have acquired a lot of skills which will be imparted to my institute for ex situ and in situ conservation, for example in reintroduction and restoration activities in degraded riverine habitats of Malawi."