SEANSRF

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SEANSRFThe SEANSRF is a nonprofit foundation focusing on the

conservation of Southeast Asia’s endangered Nepenthes plants and their habitats through research and education to halt their

current rapid descent to extinction.

Human population growth, changing land use patterns, further inroads on already constrained Nepenthes habitats and aggressive poaching means that many mature breeding populations of Nepenthes species are rapidly dropping below the levels necessary for survival.

Rather than seeing this as a ‘doomsday’ occurrence, we at SEANSRF feel we are being presented with a very rare opportunity. By utilizing what is, in some cases, perhaps our last chance to study and save these critically endangered species, we can create a template to model a new paradigm in conservation efforts joining the forces of social, academic, political, business and scientific communities to achieve our dreams.

We need to act before it is too late to collect material for gene banks, establish habitat preserves for as much of the genetic diversity as remains, and to

systematically reintroduce Nepenthes to their natural territories to reestablish self‐sustaining populations.

“By these actions we will turn today's ‘poachers’ into

tomorrow’s custodians of Nature.”

Through the effective integration of schools nationwide, government officials, national and international conservation organizations and local communities we not only plan to influence the survival of these endangered species in terms of effective conservation strategies, but more so, to use this opportunity to change attitudes by spreading the message of the importance of species conservation throughout Thailand and the region via powerful media campaigns.

What are they?Nepenthes, or ‘tropical pitcher plants’, the focus of this foundation, are a fascinating genus of carnivorous plants, generally of Southeast Asian origin.These unique plants have evolved to develop modified leaves which, unlike other genus of plants, lure and trap prey as a means of nutrition.

Southeast Asian Nepenthes Study and Research Foundation

seansrf mission statement

A rare chance to make a difference

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MissionOur foundation’s mission is to act as a vehicle to encourage the sharing of information and collaboration between stakeholders through education, research and conservation, and thereby to inspire, coordinate and realize

projects to preserve Nepenthes species. To achieve this, we direct our efforts to three major areas;

We develop, coordinate and facilitate research and study programs with the assistance and guidance of both local and international world leaders in conservation efforts. Species will each initially be studied to help formalize their current International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ‘Red List’ conservation status. Based upon research results, well‐defined goals, plans, timelines, budgets and measurable conservation outcomes for recovery efforts that address the greatest threats to each species will be defined with the assistance of the experts of the IUCN’s ‘Species Survival Commission’ (SSC), "Carnivorous Plant Specialist Group" (CPSG) and other partners.

SEANSRF develops free, innovative and effective methods of education for use at all levels of society, integrating research results and the study of Nepenthes into schools and community‐supported conservation programs to protect and nurture endangered Southeast Asian Nepenthes. By working with local stakeholders, especially institutions involved in education, biology and conservation we intend to implement a clear strategy for increasing Thailand’s national conservation capacity, as well as working through the education system to implant the social inspiration to do so in the country’s future leaders — its youth, to become custodians of the environment and to shape a regenerative future for the world they will inherit.

Our most important and urgent work is to develop programs focusing particularly on the most critically endangered species, by implementing protocols, by propagation, and by coordinating actions to save, as well as reintroduce endangered species to their natural territories.

We will endeavor to develop this project as a model that can be implemented throughout Southeast Asia. All appropriate research information and lessons learned will be spread through newly developed communication networks to be of positive benefit to future conservation programs on a global level.



Research & coordination

Education Conservation

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Why Nepenthes are important and endangered 4

What’s SEANSRF’s modus operandus? 5

Nepenthes in education 6

SEANSRF’s education gallery 8

Nepenthes — Wonders of diversity 9

Research standards 10

Conservation by seed propagation 11

Conservation action 13

SEANSRF proposed resource team 14

Funding 16

Message from the founder 17

ContentsSoutheast Asian Nepenthes Study and Research Foundation



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RangeMost species are found in Southeast Asia, although some plants have been found as far as Madagascar. The territories that host Nepenthes were once joined, but have since been separated by continental drift, resulting in differentiated species. There are now over 140 species formally noted, with 5 new species in Thailand described only recently.

ThailandThailand is host to 16 Nepenthes species with 6 indigenous species thought to be at ‘endangered’ status* N. andamana N. kampotiana N. kerriiN. kongkandanaN. mirabilis var. globosaN. suratensis

(* = Data deficient but thought to be in ‘critical’ status. The status of all Thai species need accurate field assessments to meet IUCN Red List criteria)

Some critically endangered Thai species are reduced to a single colony of less than a few hundred plants existing in the wild.

Threats to survivalConstrained habitats and changing land use for agriculture or resale of land are having the widest impact on most Nepenthes in Thailand. In addition, poaching of plants for sale on the commercial market is having almost irreversible effects on a few species.

Why are Nepenthes important?Known as ‘keystone’ or ‘flagship’ species, Nepenthes reflect the over-all health and diversity of the eco-systems they inhabit, with many other species being dependent upon them for existence.Recent research indicates that these plants may be producers of potentially lifesaving anti-bacterial/anti-fungal medicinal compounds within their enzymatic digestive fluids which may hold enormous benefits for humankind.Nepenthes inspire wonder, especially among children, as strange, exotic and beautiful examples of the ingenuity of evolution.Many Nepenthes species, including those found only in Thailand, are rapidly approaching extinction before they can be fully studied.

Why Nepenthes are important, and endangered


SEANSRF expeditions in the field have witnessed

N. mirabilis var. globosa populations reduced by up to

50% in just 3 months, with only a few hundred plants found on a recent survey

(September 2011).


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What’s SEANSRF’s modus operandus?

Education SEANSRF‘s ‘free’, innovative and effective methods of education about Nepenthes are developed specifically to be used by teachers and children in Thailand’s schools. In addition we produce educational programs for communities, key decision-makers and the general public.

ResearchLack of properly coordinated research methods also pose a survival threat to Nepenthes species in the region. Many recently recognized Thorelii-Aggregate species from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos have not been fully studied beyond cursory taxonomic descriptions.Studies are lacking regarding their conservation status and necessary assessments to the exacting standards of the IUCN before they can be declared endangered. We develop, coordinate and facilitate research and study programs with local and international experts to urgently address these gaps.

SEANSRF is conducting some of the only known ongoing experiments to determine 'best practices/protocols' regarding seed germination of these species, the growth of purebred plants ex-situ and some of the in-vitro embryo culture work here in Thailand. Furthermore, all published species descriptions are in English or Latin and need to be translated to Thai for Thai species and properly labeled and identified collections of plants need to be standardized and shared among stakeholders like CITES, the Forestry Services and the Department of Agriculture.

ConservationOur most important and urgent work is to develop programs focusing particularly on Thailand’s Thorelii-Aggregate species, by implementing protocols, by propagation, and by coordinating actions to save, as well as reintroduce endangered species to their natural territories, We strive constantly to emphasize the urgency of conservation at a time when these species are diminishing daily.


SEANSRF develops free education programs for

use at all levels of society, integrating research

results and the study of Nepenthes species into community-supported

conservation programs to protect and nurture

endangered Southeast Asian Nepenthes.


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Nepenthes in education

InspiringChildren are particularly fascinated by Nepenthes. Working with these strange plants dramatically increases student attention, participation and memory retention as well as developing their understanding of conservation.School administrators have been amazed at the level of interest and involvement in what students normally regard as ‘boring’ subjects such as plant botany, taxonomy, and physiology. Students’ interest has a direct effect on their environment, as they inform others in their homes and community about conservation by sharing with their parents and friends, and even by discussing issues with poached Nepenthes plant vendors.

“Botany in School”programWe are honoured to assist HRH Princess Sirindorn’s program which encourages students throughout the country to utilize IT. The students are taught courses in Nepenthes taxonomy, physiology, conservation and propagation.

The focus is on ‘sustainable’ species conservation through education which benefits society, reaches policy-makers and the public’s heart. The entire community sees the importance of benefitting and educating Thailand’s children.

Using ‘in-school’ science curriculum is more cost effective, provides the greatest progress in the least amount of time and stimulates appreciation, respect, love and pride in the youth of the country.

“Science camps” with QLFIn addition we have developed a program to work with the Department of Education, Quality Learning Foundation (QLF), and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to help teachers transform the student’s learning experience with "hands-on" science education that inspires joy in the discovery of learning. SEANSRF supplies teaching, lesson plans for teachers and students, courses in plant botany, taxonomy, and physiology, conservation and propagation. In addition, it supplies the school camps with correctly labeled seed, plugs, potted plants and cuttings for workshops. Materials are supplied free or at cost. Camps include the development of ICT tools for use in related fields.


For 2012, SEANSRF has committed to teach

3-day, 2-night curriculum at 4 science camps for tenth-grade

students in Nakhon Nayok and Phisanoluk

in Thailand. By November we will

have effectively trained 8 teachers and 180 students to enable them to teach these techniques in their

own schools.

Botany in School students with 'learning packs' supplied by SEANSRF


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Nepenthes in education (continued)

Tissue culture workshopsOver 300 students participated in these yearlong teaching modules in 2010-2011 for HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s Botany in School program, using Nepenthes seed provided by SEANSRF. Children and teachers learned tissue culture and in vitro embryo culture skills that they will continue to use in education and careers in science.

SEANSRF produced correctly named and labeled seed for in vitro embryo culture as well as introduced refinements of Nepenthes seed sterilization protocols. We are planning follow-up courses with the same children trained to work in Nepenthes recovery programs in the future.

Lead instructors for these workshops are:Khun Sojikarn Sataporn is a leader in improving the education curriculum of Thai Science Programs, and has received awards from the ‘Thailand Torray Science Foundation’ for her outstanding work in developing equipment for use in student’s tissue culture laboratories.

Frank Tromble, moderator and advisor for the Home Plant Tissue Culture forum, has been involved with plant tissue culture since 2007 and with the Botany In

School project since 2009. Vice President of the Home Tissue Culture organization since 2008.

Shawn Mayes is the founder of SEANSRF with a lifelong involvement in horticulture and landscaping and a passionate interest in carnivorous plants.

Science exhibitions SEANSRF has participated in presentations at six National Science fairs and twice at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Botany in School students presented at the National Science and Technology Fair 2010 and 2012 at Bitech.

Ongoing educationSEANSRF produces free or low-cost plants and materials to donate to schools. In 2010-2011 the foundation distributed:7,000 seeds 2,000 seedling plants600 one inch plug plants for transplanting50 - 2 year old plants1,000 cuttings50 mature plantsPots, media, tags, toolsSEANSRF also develops, produces and provides materials

at cost for use in schools.Along with ‘in-classroom’ live training, we provide written and video format teaching lesson plans and materials.In 2012, we will initiate a program to host ‘Expert guest speakers’ from around the world.

Virtual educationSEANSRF is creating a bilingual website for the Thai Thorelii-Aggregate Nepenthes species.It will assist Thailand’s researchers, educators and children by way of ICT technology, and provide a free internet ‘resource hub’ to gather and distribute knowledge.It will also assist in communication, education and the raising of public awareness about the importance of plant diversity.



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SEANSRF education gallery


SEANSRF‘s ‘free’, innovative and effective methods of education about Nepenthes are developed specifically to be used by teachers and children in Thailand’s schools.

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ResearchKnowledge is strength. Our aim is to contribute towards all aspects of Nepenthes research and data compilation to facilitate the conservation of Nepenthes species.

Research & Conservation Actions The most immediate need is to fully assess the conservation status of species locations.Reports will be submitted to the ‘Species Survival Commission’ of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to be included where necessary in the IUCN ‘Red List’ submission which will lead towards giving these species international protected status through ‘CITES’ listings.

Initial efforts will focus on locations and accurate status assessments to determine existing population levels and risk factors, priorities and importantly, mitigation methods.

SEANSRF develops recommendations, plans, funding assistance and implementation of conservation on a case by case basis.

We work to develop both in situ (on site) and ex situ (off site) preservation programs to design, implement and test immediate conservation methods of critically endangered species and strengthen local capacity for biodiversity conservation.We hope to involve the Thai government agencies in these assessments, as well as work with them to develop some measures to protect the sites under threat.


Research standards



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Why propagate seeds? Nepenthes are slow growing plants which naturally propagate mainly by means of seeds. While in a healthy community seed production is high in numbers, actual recruitment rates are quite low in natural conditions. Undisturbed, the rates allow for the continued existence and evolution of the species. However between the effects of changing land-use patterns by people on their habitats and the poaching of entire plants for resale, we now believe that we are seeing numerous species whose mature breeding populations are dropping below the levels necessary to sustain the colony.Currently, the few remaining colonies of some Thai Nepenthes species are subject to heavy poaching and there are no guarantees regarding the use of the land they grow upon.

Poachers tend to pick the most robust, aesthetically pleasing plants to take for the highest resale value. Of course this means those are the exact genes that are removed from the species’ future breeding population.SEANSRF feels that with the assistance of the world’s leading Nepenthes and conservation authorities, we must act quickly to preserve as much genetic diversity as remains, before it is too late. We are seeking the assistance of the IUCN Species Survival Commission and scientists and Thai government agencies to help us create the

guidelines necessary to non-detrimentally harvest seed from endangered colonies for further plant, and eventually seed production, for use in reintroduction programs.

We feel that initially it is unfeasible to try to reintroduce plants to the original colony sites while no safeguards are in place to protect their future. Rather, we hope to establish introduced colonies to highly secure, controlled growing areas where monitoring and data gathering can be used to its best advantage to benefit future conservation programs. Seeds will be germinated in SEANSRF facilities with continuous monitoring. After approximately one year, seedling plants will be acclima-tized and then transplanted to the outdoor secure ‘genetic bank’ areas. Over the next two to three years the plants will be studied, data recorded, community

We must act quickly to preserve as much genetic

diversity as remains, before it is too late.

Conservation by seed propagation



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Conservation by seed propagation

education programs created and the program given extensive media coverage.It is hoped that by year three we will begin to see the earliest maturing plants producing seeds. Depending upon the guidelines set with the assistance of IUCN, seed production is hoped to be measured in the millions by year four.In the three to four year growing-on period of these plants, we hope to work on the creation of a series of “Habitat Preserves” in the areas of the original territories of endangered species by working with partners such as those in the hospitality industry. By dedicating a portion of their

secure grounds to a habitat preserve, hotels can participate in conservation efforts in their own community. Green/Eco-tourism citations given by ‘Tourism Authority of Thailand’ and promotional opportunities featuring their own involvement in the process benefits all parties. SEANSRF and its partners’ involvement and monitoring assure continuity and goal achievement. Now with habitats preserved, seedling plants from the three to four year-old ex-situ plants, with their remaining wide genetic diversity can be returned to their natural territories and hopefully reestablish self-sustaining populations.


Conservation project flow

Create Gene BanksPreserve and propagate

diverse genetic sampling of each endangered

species

Controlled growing areas established

Plants transplanted to highly secure growing

areas

Involve & Educate

Community and school based programs

Field trips - Assessment & Seed CollectionAssess & document

conservation status and collect seed

Reintroduction Programs

Return species to their own native territories

Create Secure Habitat Preserves

Create habitat preserves in species' original territory


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Conservation action

SEANSRF already has the skills and experience to successfully propagate thousands of seeds of the most endangered species.

Undermining poachingBy using artificial propagation skills (tissue culture and in vitro embryo culture) SEANSRF can educate and inspire partners in the community to produce enough stock to undermine poaching of endangered species for retail markets.

Reintroduction programsArtificial propagation by seed will also supply reintroduction programs currently in planning/design discussions with IUCN and other scientists. These will be implemented and fully documented as models for further work in Thailand and abroad.

Gene banksThere is an urgent need to collect a wide range of pure genetic material in order to propagate a wide and robust diversity of each species in separate secure ‘gene bank’ environments.

Habitat preservesEach Nepenthes species has developed and become differentiated in a highly specific location and growing and preserving these plants on their ‘home turf’ is an important aspect of ongoing research. We will establish habitat preserves at enclosed and monitored locations in secure grounds.

By providing a secure habitat preserve on their grounds for pure genetic stock, the local hospitality industry, for example, could partner in this ideal synergy of ecotourism, community and conservation.

Empowering communities We will involve local communities by providing training, understanding and incentives to protect their endangered Nepenthes colonies.We will teach and encourage financial and educational incentives including the sales and marketing of ‘sustainable’ seed and plant production.

National Nepenthes Collection of ThailandIn addition SEANSRF hopes to participate in the creation of a National Nepenthes Collection as a gift to the Royal Family and people of Thailand.

This ‘living museum’ would consist of 16 species of Thai Nepenthes and any new species that may still be discovered.

This collection will serve as;

• An educational venue to be visited by large groups on a regular basis

• A preserve of genetic diversity as a gene-bank of Thailand’s natural heritage

• A source of material for study by researchers in Thailand for ongoing scientific research.


We recognize the importance of sensitive

integration of plant conservation goals and

human needs in successful in situ

conservation programs. We will endeavor to

ensure that processes are endorsed by relevant

national and local government bodies and

adhere to all relevant policies.


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Nepenthes - wonders of diversity



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SEANSRF proposed resource team

Core team This core team will be expanded upon approval of the Foundation status.

Shawn Mayes (SEANSRF founder)

Sojikarn Sataporn(Piyachartpattana School & ‘Botany In School’ Program)

Dr. Wallop Promthong(Rajamangala University)

Manit Jaichagun (CITES Office)

Rob Cantley (IUCN Species Survival Commission - Carnivorous Plant Specialist Group Chairman)

Dr. Charles Clarke (Ecologist)

Ch’ien Lee (Naturalist)

Strategic relationshipsEssential to the program’s success is working with partners in:

1. Governmental Departments

• Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Interior, Royal Forestry Dept., Dept. of Education

• Ministry of Natural Resources & the Environment

• National Park Service • Bangkok Herbarium, O.N.E.P.

We have presented SEANSRF plans to many of these listed authorities and have received very positive response. SEANSRF will develop more and wider involvement with these agencies.

2. Thai Universities/Research Organizations

• Chulalongkorn, Rajamangala, Maejo Universities

• National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

• Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research

• Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Project

• Mae Fah Luang Foundation• Doi Tung Project

We plan to work with Thai academic organizations to assist to develop the ‘Nepenthes Action Plan’. Thailand’s Universities will benefit through working with international experts to enrich faculty, undergraduate and graduate students through field assessments and species recovery programs.

3. International Organizations

SEANSRF has already developed relationships with some and hopes to work with as many of the following international organizations as possible, in an atmosphere of cooperation.• International Union for the

Conservation of Nature (IUCN) • Botanical Gardens Conservation

International (BGCI)• World Wildlife Fund, Bioversity

International, BIONet International

• Bangkok ‘CITES - Plant Varieties Protection Division’ office & field studies, Bangkok Herbarium.

• KTKI the Indonesian conservation group.

International support can help us avoid wasted or duplicated efforts. SEANSRF has already established close relationships with many of these organizations.



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Resource team (continued)

4. Scientists/Researchers

The world’s leading Nepenthes scientists and researchers willing to assist SEANSRF include;Dr. Charles ClarkeCh’ien LeeRobert CantleyStewart McPherson Marcello CatalanoVolker HeinrichFrançois MeyDr. Katja RemboldAndreas FleischmannAndy SmithDr. Ulrike Bauer

Through years of passionate involvement, travel and sharing data and information, SEANSRF’s founder Shawn Mayes has developed personal friendships with the world’s leading Nepenthes authorities which has led to commitments as advisors/consultants (and if funding allows) for ‘Expert Guest Speakers’ in fields of Botany, Horticulture, Ecology, Biotechnology, Conservation, Social Responsibility, and ICT Technology.

Presentations will be videotaped and made available through the Internet.

5. Education Programs

SEANSRF has developed partnerships in the field of education with: • Quality Learning Foundation

through the latest teaching programs begun in November 2011.

• HRH Sirindhorn’s Botany in School Project using the internet as a tool for education.

We have close contacts with RAFT (Resource Area For Teaching), a nonprofit in USA which supplies teachers with learning tools.

Our work with Nepenthes in 2010-2011 has affected hundreds of students with over 50 who attended our workshops using their Nepenthes projects as their portfolio for University applications. Though still early in the process, already 5 have been accepted into tertiary education on 4-year scholarships at prestigious Thai universities.

SEANSRF expects to continue to develop programs in cooperation with the Department of Education in the future and well as engage Thailand’s scientists, government agencies and researchers to work towards saving these national treasures for posterity.


Photo courtesy of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn


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Funding

Funding

SEANSRF has operated from private sources over the last five years. To urgently expand the scale and effectiveness for further research, conservation and educational programs, the foundation now seeks funding through corporate social responsibility departments, private and philanthropic organizations to fully realize these goals.

Funding to datePast 3-5 years financial input history;

Shawn Mayes Co., Ltd. Approximately B10,000,000

Steve LeClerq and Penny Dawson Donation B150,000

Anonymous donations B530,000

Founder Shawn Mayes is fully committed to realize SEANSRF’s goals. Over the last three years, he has worked full time to establish the foundation including sponsorship of all education projects and field research at sites, all travel costs and materials.

SEANSRF has committed to a pro bono ongoing ‘community species propagation’ visit onsite with the Department of Agriculture and CITES in Surat province.

IUCN has been helpful in mentoring SEANSRF’s funding strategy for field research in Thailand.

Fundraising directionSEANSRF sees corporate sponsorships in the form of tax-deductible donations in exchange for public relations benefits displaying corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a key fund raising strategy.

Private sponsorships through tax-deductible donations also displays personal social responsibility (PSR).

Besides supporting education and environmental projects, philanthropic organizations further contribute by making research grants.

Educational exhibition installations at hotels, theme parks, airports, gardens, etc augment revenue while creatively engaging and educating the public.

SEANSRF has developed an innovative and creative strategy to

engage corporate, private, and

philanthropic sponsorship to support

educational projects and environmental stewardship.

A professional fundraiser and grant

writing professional will implement and develop

this initiative.



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A personal message

From founder Shawn Mayes

Developing this project has been a long, slow process, but also my personal dream for many years. This was sparked when my elementary school teacher read to our class a story written by Queen Sirikit called The Natural Bank. Her message on how great civilizations can fall due to the misuse of natural resources struck a chord that resonates even more profoundly for Thailand and the world today than it did 50 years ago.

For me, living in Thailand these last 18 years, I have come to love the people, their culture and the spectacular nature of the country, and would like to repay Thailand in some small way.It has taken me all these years to develop the necessary skills to establish this Foundation, along with the Nepenthes education and conservation programs.

Now, my plans and programs have reached the Royal Family, The Department of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, Department of Education and many others who have been very supportive.I would like to personally thank each of you for your assistance and encouragement in bringing this dream to life!

Shawn MayesFounderS.E. Asian Nepenthes Study & Research Foundation


S.E. Asian Nepenthes Study & Research Foundation (SEANSRF)

Bangkok: 28 Soi Pattanavej 11, Soi Pridi Banomyong 26, Sukhumvit 71 Rd, Phra Kanong-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Samui: PO Box 36 Lamai, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, [email protected]

SEANSRF22102012

http://www.seansrf.org

http://www.seansrf.org

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

SEANSRF

Documents

conservation efforts

endangered species

genus of plants

constrained nepenthes

unique plants

research results

recovery efforts

effective methods of