Eli Rowson, ICCP Safe Sites Manager
Eli Rowson is a Wildlife Biology and Conservation Scientist with the International Conifer Conservation Programme (ICCP) at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). As Safe Sites Manager he manages more than 325 ex‑situ conservation sites for a living metacollection of approximately 24,000 rare and threatened conifers, representing 513 taxa sourced from across the globe.
He coordinates with individual site holders on the care and documentation of their accessions, ensuring accurate data recording and high standards of plant stewardship. His role involves regular site visits, collecting primary data, and processing this information into a comprehensive database tracking each accession’s history, location, movement, health, and overall condition. He also delivers new material and expands the network by establishing new Safe Sites and supports partners in meeting ICCP responsibilities and standards. Through this work, he helps connect people with conservation via practical stewardship and public engagement.
This large‑scale ex‑situ conservation initiative aims to safeguard populations of threatened conifer species, recognising their ecological, economic, scientific and cultural importance. The programme ultimately seeks to support future efforts to re‑establish these species in their natural habitats. Eli works closely with the head of the ICCP to help achieve these goals.
For more information on the ICCP visit: https://threatenedconifers.rbge.org.uk/
Contact: erowson@rbge.org.uk