New Phytosociology’s Perspectives
In 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity, during which the centenary of the plant “association” concept is also celebrated, participation in the VIII International Meeting of Phytosociology - ALFA, is of utmost importance. This event will be held in Lisbon, from 13-16 September, under the theme “New Phytosociology’s Perspectives”.
Biodiversity conservation is primarily dependent on a correct and complete understanding of its components. For many decades, the science of Phytosociology has, undoubtedly, contributed to the cataloguing of plant diversity at several levels (species, communities and landscapes). All this knowledge constitutes nowadays a considerable repository of data that, despite being relatively disperse, is becoming increasingly more necessary and useful in practical terms.
Over the last centuries, there have been significant impacts on native biodiversity. Factors such as the humanization of landscapes, the extensive introduction of exotic species, pollution and the degradation of the environment have profoundly disturbed and modified the distribution and structure of many natural ecosystems. In the recent past, these impacts have resulted in serious concerns about biodiversity conservation, and this poses an important challenge to Phytosociology as a legitimate vegetation science. These challenges highlight the important contribution that this science had, and continues to have, in the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and in the implementation of effective natural conservation strategies, such as the Natura 2000 Network.