From 7th – 11th September 1996, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York, USA, welcomed over 220 people from 43 countries for the 3rd BGCI International Congress on Education in Botanic Gardens. The great diversity of nations, institutions and cultures represented at the Congress highlighted the developing awareness of the importance of botanic gardens worldwide for environmental education. The Congress also provided an excellent and stimulating opportunity for global exchange of views and ideas.

During the five days, delegates presented a range of papers, workshops and posters, all of which reflected the four themes of the Congress: Education for Sustainability, Global Village, Urban Horticulture and Botanical Knowledge.