News Published: 4 March 2025

The Caribbean and Central American Botanic Gardens Network (CCABG) in collaboration with the International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN), Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and regional partners hosted a 3-day workshop on Plant Health and Biosecurity at Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Barbados. From 4th – 6th February 2025.

The Caribbean and Central American Botanic Gardens Network (CCABGN) is dedicated to fostering spaces where members can share experiences and expertise, addressing the unique challenges faced by botanical gardens and related institutions across the region.

In February, BERP (Biocultural Education Research Programme) and Andromeda Botanic Gardens hosted a dynamic 3-day workshop on Plant Health and Biosecurity, in collaboration with BGCI’s CCABG and IPSN networks, and Naples Botanical Garden. This workshop brought together twenty-three (23) enthusiastic participants from seven Caribbean countries and islands, including Anguilla, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who shared their experiences from the region. Andromeda Botanic Gardens, a site of rich plant biodiversity across 8 acres with over 600 plant species, provided the landscape for sharing of practical expertise and immersion, fostering meaningful exchanges on regional challenges related to pests, diseases, and invasive species, strengthening cooperation among institutions.

Advancing the Plant Conservation Strategy for the Caribbean Region

This training directly supported multiple targets outlined in the Plant Conservation Strategy for the Caribbean Region including conserving plant diversity, promoting education and awareness, and building capacity in the region, three of the strategy’s four objectives.

Participants engaged in a rich blend of theoretical sessions and practical knowledge application, covering topics such as biosecurity best practices, an overview of Caribbean pests and diseases, plant health monitoring, and strategies for managing invasive plant species.

Interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions fostered a spirit of collaboration, strengthening regional partnerships and encouraging the exchange of valuable insights to enhance biodiversity and conservation efforts across the Caribbean. Contributions from both local and international experts created meaningful opportunities for capacity building, equipping participants with practical tools, inspiration, and a supportive network dedicated to safeguarding plant health throughout the region.

Facilitators from (Barbados) Asymmetric Consulting Inc., Walkers Institute for Regeneration Research Education and Design Inc., (Bermuda) Bermuda Zoological Society, and the (UK) Fera Science enriched the workshop by blending technical expertise with cultural exchange, creating an engaging and collaborative learning environment that not only strengthened participants’ technical skills but also deepened international partnerships.

Strengthening Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

Participants committed to maintaining an ongoing exchange of information on biosecurity and the plant health challenges within their respective gardens, institutions, and countries. Equipped with new tools, insights, and partnerships, they are now positioned to bring their knowledge back to their institutions and countries, amplifying the impact of this workshop across the region.

At CCABGN, we believe that fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge are the most powerful strategies for conserving the rich plant diversity of the Caribbean and Central America. This would not have been possible without funding from the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve and Naples Botanical Garden, whose support was instrumental in making this initiative a success. Furthermore, thanks to this continued funding, the IPSN will be able to facilitate further plant health monitoring and biosecurity efforts in the region. This includes supporting the development of information resources, monitoring tools, and other regionally identified actions and locally driven initiatives.

To learn more about the Plant Conservation Strategy for the Caribbean Region, please visit https://botanicalbridges.com/resources/ where the full Strategy is available in both English and Spanish.

Explore our workshop video for more insights: Barbados Plant Health and Biosecurity Workshop

Thanks to all our facilitators and sponsors: