The role a botanical institute can play in the conservation of the terrestrial biodiversity in a developing country

The role of a botanical institute in in situ conservation of plant diversity in developing nations is explored. In situ conservation should be a key part of the general planning process. A case study of botanical conservation in Zimbabwe is presented to illustrate specific functions of an institute gene bank, vegetative survey, botanical garden, and herbarium. Strategies for biodiversity conservation in Zimbabwe are suggested.