Responsible exchange of plant material and data to support conservation, education and research

Botanical and forestry institutions regularly exchange plant material and associated data to support conservation, education and research. However, such exchanges currently happen – largely bilaterally – in an ad hoc manner without consistency related to data standards, compliance information, quality control or feedback mechanisms. This creates reputational, operational and financial risks for both donors and recipients of plant material. For effective and responsible exchange of plant material, users need to have accurate, detailed collection information and also be aware of compliance regulations related to the donation or acquisition of material, including Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), biosecurity and CITES requirements.

As well as creating risks, ad hoc exchange of plant material and associated data is unnecessarily onerous for both donors and recipients. The major constraints to plant material exchange are overly bureaucratic regulations, poor knowledge of compliance requirements, poor quality of data associated with collections, and lack of tracking mechanisms for requests or for material that is shared.

All of the above creates low confidence amongst policymakers and regulators that plant material shared by botanical/forestry institutions is fully compliant with national and international regulations and laws leading to ever more stringent regulations and increasing costs. If, on the other hand, the professional botanical/forestry community can demonstrate consistent best practice and the positive impacts of plant material exchange, we are more likely to be considered for exemption or reduced regulation for our sector.

BGCI’s Compliance Certification

To encourage responsible supply and acquisition of plant material and associated data for biodiversity conservation, research and education worldwide, BGCI has developed three Compliance Certifications that identify institutions that are applying best practice with regard to Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), biosecurity and CITES regulations, respectively. Institutions that demonstrate best practice compliance will be recognised as trusted institutions in GardenSearch, Index Seminum and PlantConnect.

Certification Process

BGCI’s Compliance Certification is open to BGCI members and non-members. For BGCI members there is no charge. For non-members a fee of $65 will be required to cover administration costs.

For successful applicants, Certificates of Certification will be issued together with a certification logo that recipients can use on their website, letterhead, etc. They will also be recognised as trusted institutions on the GardenSearch, Index Seminum and PlantConnect platforms. Recently certified gardens will be highlighted on the BGCI website and in the BGCI newsletter, Cultivate.

Expertise

Apply for inclusion in BGCI's Directory of Expertise.

Apply for Inclusion

Certification

Does your institution follow ABS, Biosecurity or CITES standards? Why not become BGCI approved?

Apply for Certification

BGCI’s Material Exchange Platforms

BGCI’s PlantConnect and Index Seminum tools enable bona fide institutions to exchange plant material and its associated data in a consistent, transparent way that includes:

• A requirement for high quality collections data
• Flagging of ABS, biosecurity and CITES compliance regulations
• Indication of how the material will be used
• Assurance that material will not be used for commercial gain
• Tracking of material passed on to third parties
• Feedback communication channels between donors and recipients
• ABS, biosecurity and CITES compliance certification