International Water Lily and Aquatic Plant Society

International Water Lily and Aquatic Plant Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, research, and appreciation of water lily and aquatic plant species, with members from United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. The society was founded in 1980 by a group of botanists, including Kew Royal Botanic Gardens' Sir Ghillean Prance and New York Botanical Garden's Dr. William R. Buck, with the goal of promoting the understanding and protection of these unique plants. The society's work is closely tied to that of other organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Members of the society have collaborated with institutions like the Royal Horticultural Society and the Smithsonian Institution to advance the field of aquatic plant research.

● History

The International Water Lily and Aquatic Plant Society has its roots in the early 20th century, when Victor Lemoine and Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac began cultivating and hybridizing water lily species in France. This work was later continued by Longwood Gardens' Dr. John F. Reed and Missouri Botanical Garden's Dr. Peter H. Raven, who made significant contributions to the field of aquatic plant research. The society's history is also closely tied to that of the American Horticultural Society and the Horticultural Society of New York. In the 1980s, the society began working with Conservation International and the Nature Conservancy to protect and preserve aquatic ecosystems, including those in Amazon River and Mekong River basins. The society has also collaborated with University of California, Berkeley and Harvard University on research projects related to aquatic plant conservation.

● Organization

The International Water Lily and Aquatic Plant Society is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from Botanic Gardens Conservation International, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the United States Botanic Garden. The society is divided into several committees, each focusing on a specific area, such as conservation, research, and education. The society also has a close relationship with other organizations, such as the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Members of the society have participated in international events, including the International Botanical Congress and the World Conservation Congress, which are organized by the International Union of Biological Sciences and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, respectively.

● Conservation Efforts

The International Water Lily and Aquatic Plant Society is involved in various conservation efforts, including the protection of wetland ecosystems and the preservation of endangered species, such as the giant water lily and the Amazon water lily. The society works closely with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the The Nature Conservancy to develop and implement conservation strategies. Members of the society have also collaborated with University of Oxford and University of Cambridge on research projects related to aquatic ecosystem conservation. The society has also partnered with National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center to support conservation efforts in Africa, Asia, and South America.

● Membership and Activities

The International Water Lily and Aquatic Plant Society has a diverse membership, including botanists, horticulturists, conservationists, and aquatic plant enthusiasts from around the world, such as Australia, Canada, and Germany. Members participate in various activities, including plant breeding and hybridization, aquatic garden design, and ecological restoration. The society also offers workshops and training programs, such as those organized by the New York Botanical Garden and the Royal Horticultural Society. Members have access to a network of experts and resources, including the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens' Millennium Seed Bank and the Missouri Botanical Garden's Center for Plant Conservation.

● Publications and Resources

The International Water Lily and Aquatic Plant Society publishes a quarterly journal, which features articles on aquatic plant research, conservation, and horticulture, as well as news and updates from the society. The society also produces a newsletter, which includes information on upcoming events, such as the International Water Lily and Aquatic Plant Conference, and workshops, such as those organized by the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Michigan. Members have access to a range of resources, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew' Index Kewensis and the United States Department of Agriculture's PLANTS database. The society has also developed partnerships with Google and Wikipedia to increase public awareness and access to information on aquatic plants.

● Awards and Recognition

The International Water Lily and Aquatic Plant Society presents several awards, including the Medal of Honor, which is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of aquatic plant research and conservation, such as Dr. David H. Benzing and Dr. Thomas B. Croat. The society also recognizes outstanding achievements in aquatic garden design and ecological restoration, such as those recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Wildlife Federation. Members of the society have received awards from other organizations, including the Linnean Society of London and the Botanical Society of America. The society's work has been recognized by UNESCO and the International Council for Science, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and National Geographic.

Category:Botanical organizations