BGCI is preparing a technical review on the susceptibility of botanic gardens and their responses to natural and man-made disasters. This technical review seeks to quantify and qualify the short and long-term impacts of such disasters on all aspects of botanic garden operations, including the plant collections, infrastructure, research and conservation programmes, public outreach and visitor management, personnel, and income generation. The review will help BGCI to mobilise financial and technical assistance in support of botanic gardens hit by hazards, providing short-term relief, and enhancing capacity for future disaster preparedness.

To this end, we are carrying out a global, botanic garden questionnaire survey. The technical review will be prepared on the basis of data provided by botanic gardens, and will be discussed and illustrated with a series of case studies. All contributions referred to in the review will be acknowledged, and the final report will be made available on BGCI’s website.

The closing date for participating in the questionnaire survey is 30 March 2021.