Tell us about this important and complex work!

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is conducting a global sustainable use of plants survey to understand and promote our network’s work associated with the sustainable use of plants and identify ways BGCI can further support this critical area of expertise.

Here at BGCI we aim to quantify, co-ordinate, and promote the role of botanic gardens in conserving socio-economically important species, reducing the threat of over-exploitation to plants, and sustainable management of plants for improved livelihoods in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Across the global Botanic Garden community, much of the research and development on the sustainable use of plants is currently not being brought together with knowledge shared and lessons learned with other gardens and the wider plant conservation community. This survey seeks to fill this gap by collating the information on botanic gardens’ current sustainable use of plants work: from research and development, to policy influence and trade. If your organisation deals with the sustainable use of plants, we want to know how you contribute to this important area.

Within this survey we are using the Convention on Biodiversity definition of ‘sustainable use’ of plants:

“.. the use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations.”

You have until 31st August to tell us all about your experiences, so please let us know now!