News Published: 17 June 2024

This survey aims to map the activities of Botanic Gardens worldwide in conservation, research, and education related to food plant biodiversity.

We seek to enhance the role of botanic gardens and raise awareness of their initiatives. Preliminary survey results will be shared at the 8th Global Botanic Gardens Congress and used to explore partnerships with agricultural seed banks and other sectors. These results will also contribute to a strategic white paper and be shared online.

We hope to build on the power of botanic garden networks and very much welcome interested stakeholders to join this emerging initiative. Please indicate your interest to join the development of a new partnership at the end of the survey. We encourage respondents to consider a broad definition of ‘food plant biodiversity’, which encompasses all types of plants, algae and cryptogams that are used for human food consumption, including their wild relatives. Similarly we would like you to consider broad definitions of conservation/preservation, research and education/outreach, including ex situ as well as in situ activities, formal and informal efforts as well as inclusive definitions of knowledge and education.

Please respond to this survey by July 15th 2024.