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Proposal To Establish A World Iris Association

The genus iris consists of nearly 400 species that grow throughout the temporate zone of the northern hemisphere. Interest in the cultivation and breeding of this genus is world-wide and has lead to the idea of creating a World Iris Association. Such an Association would have as its objectives:-

Support

• to support the establishment and expansion of local, regional, and national iris societies

Research, Devolopment and Conservation

• to encourage further research and study of the distribution and ecology of wild irises and related irids and the discovery of new species
• to work aggressively with international and local bodies towards the protection of threatened and endangered species
• to expand the number of wild irises grown in cultivation in order to protect the varied genetic stock of individual species that are at risk in their wild habitat, to enhance our understanding of the various species, and to provide genetic material for the breeding of new varieties in cultivation

Information Exchange

• to develop opportunities for the exchange of accurate information about wild and cultivated irises through the development of websites, publications, the exchange of articles and information between publications, etc.
• to maintain and distribute information on the diseases and pests of irises and control methods, including the harmful side effects to humans, plants and animals, of such control methods
• to encourage international and regional meetings and workshops at which new information is diseminated and individuals are trained in various aspects of the science and culture of iris

Specimen Exchange

• to encourage the exchange of seeds, specimens, and genetic material, etc. in order to enhance general understanding of the genus and its species and the development of new cultivars

Education and Public Awareness

• to encourage the members and societies to promote public education and public awareness of irises in order to attract new members, particularly youth members, expand appreciation of this genus, and support the general conservation of the world's diminishing botanical biodiversity.

Proposal:

In order to establish a World Iris Association (WIA), it is proposed to create an organization with two types of membership. Firstly, National Iris Societies would appoint or elect a representative to serve on an Executive Committee or Board of Directors. Secondly, individual memberships would be accepted especially from countries that do not have a national iris society. From those countries that do not have a national society, representatives would be selected by the membership from that country.

After the Executive Committee has been formed, officers would be elected and a constitution adopted along with the necessary by-laws. From this base, committees could be formed to accomplish goals of the Association. As goals for the Association are defined and priorities established, each goal would require approval of a budget in order to attract financial support. At first, the Association's goals might be narrowly defined but, over time, expanded to meet the interest of its member societies and individual members.

Comments

This proposal has been prepared in order to generate discussion on the creation of a World Iris Assciation. Comments are welcome and should be sent to O. David Niswonger at The American Iris Society, 822 Rodney Vista Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, U.S.A. or e-mailed to: mlowe@worldiris.com

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