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Welcome to the OCI website! |
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What is New? |
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What is Orchid Conservation International? |
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Orchid Conservation International - OCI - is an independent, non-profit organization, established to provide a firm funding base for the work of the Orchid Specialist Group (OSG) of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. |
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Orchid Conservation International - Registered Charity Nº 1107354 |
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What is the Orchid Specialist Group? |
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The Orchid Specialist Group (OSG) is an international network of professional and non- professional volunteers who are committed to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of orchid species and their habitats. The OSG was established in 1984, and now boasts over 200 members from over 50 countries, including many leading scientists, each with expertise in various disciplines that are vital in implementing effective orchid conservation strategies. |
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When was Orchid Conservation International established? |
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The idea for Orchid Conservation International was first conceived in 2003 by a small group of UK-based orchid experts and enthusiast, all of whom are members of the OSG. They included Dr Phillip Cribb, Shelagh Kell, Phil Seaton, Mike Hutchings and David Roberts. One of the most prominent founder members is Dr Phillip Cribb of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, who was also Chair of OSG until his retirement in 2006. The organization officially became a registered Charity under UK law in January 2005. |
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Why the need for Orchid Conservation International? |
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Orchid conservation has never had a central Trust to conduct activities such as many animal and bird groups have. It has been established to provide such a base for worldwide orchid conservation activities. |
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Orchid Conservation International's objectives have been laid down as follows - |
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To promote, for the benefit of the public, the preservation and conservation of rare and endangered species of orchids and their habitats. |
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To advance the education of the public generally about such orchids. |
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To conduct research into such orchids and to publish, or arrange for the publishing of, the results for the benefit of the general public. |
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