This Science in Developing Countries award will help to support an international symposium on "The Biology and Conservation of Epiphytes" at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. An international group of botanists, ecologists, conservation biologists, and horticulturists will convene for four days of papers, round-table discussions, and public lectures on aspects of epiphyte biology and conservation. The meeting will foster exchange of information across lines of individual disciplines, geographical areas, and plant taxa. Special emphasis will be on conservation of epiphytic plant species and their habitats: speakers will present reports of "case studies" of conservation activities where these plants are native and threatened. Products from this Symposium will include a research publication of selected talks, a set of information pamphlets for the general public on aspects of epiphyte biology and conservation, a set of specific recommendations for the conservation of epiphytes and their habitats generated in the round-table discussions, a compilation of epiphyte-related literature, and a mailing list for future communication among those who study, cultivate, and conserve epiphytes. Particular emphasis will be placed on promoting international collabora- tion and information exchange with scientists from Latin America and other regions of the world with native epiphytes.
