The conchological society and molluscan conservation: Past, present and future

The Conchological Society of Great Britain and ireland has had a long running programme of non-marine molluscan recording which has been the foundation of its involvement in conservation. This is enhanced by reseal ch into the fossil history of land and freshwater faunas. The later work or? marine recording has also given rise to significant inputs towards marine mollusc conservation. Since 1983 the Society has assumed a broad and outward looking approach to its conservation activities. A look at possible conservation oriented developments in the future, suggests a Society role in a range of tasks. These include providing conservation advice, campaigning to conserve Mollusca and their habitats; continuing to co-ordinate the recording of the British fauna on a national and possibly regional basis; integrating conservation activities with those of other governmental and non-governmental organisations;; working to provide an objective and reasoned voice with regard to the collecting of biological specimens; developing a better understanding of molluscan ecology, particularly for rare and threatened species: and lastly in the role as an environmental educator not only for specialists and professionals but also the wider public.