Dr Gail Stott, CMEP Researcher

My research focuses on analysing biodiversity data to inform practical conservation and the sustainable use of plants. I am also interested in building local capacity to integrate botanical research into protected area management plans.

I joined the Centre for Middle Eastern Plants in September 2019 and I am currently working on several biodiversity assessment and conservation projects, including a Darwin Initiative project on sustainable plant use in Tajikistan. The project aims to reduce wild collecting of six target species by providing people with the skills and resources to cultivate these species near their homes. I work with in-country partners to collect data on the distribution of the target species, to map areas that are likely to be over collected, and to determine suitable locations for long-term monitoring of population dynamics.

Prior to joining CMEP, I lived in Belize for several years. Working with a local NGO, I implemented a series of inventory and monitoring activities within and around three protected areas. This included a number of plant collecting expeditions in the Maya Mountains, and setting up permanent sample plots for vegetation monitoring. I also provided regular training sessions for protected area rangers and university students in plant collecting, specimen preparation, and tree identification.