In August 2024, the 8th Global Botanic Garden Conference (#8GBGC) brought 900 plant conservationists, scientists, and policymakers together from 73 countries. The conference highlighted the critical role of botanic gardens in addressing global biodiversity loss and climate change. Below, we share our takeaways from the conference. Thank you to our excellent hosts, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), for organizing a successful event full of learning opportunities and thought-provoking presentations, and great community.
Key Findings & Insights1. Preserving Biodiversity: The primary focus of the 8GBGC was the urgent need to conserve plant species. Botanic gardens, with their extensive collections and expertise, are vital in preserving biodiversity. They are crucial in maintaining living collections, seed banks, pollen banks, and new research collaborations. 2. Innovation in Conservation: Cutting-edge conservation techniques, such as genetic research and cryopreservation were showcased at the conference. These technologies are helping to protect plant species from the impacts of climate change. Attendees also had the opportunity to observe the use of artificial intelligence and drones to monitor plant health and habitat changes. |
Singapore is a green city, committed to being a city in a garden. |
3. Engaging Communities: Another highlight emphasized public education and community involvement. By engaging local communities and educating the public, botanic gardens are building a global movement of environmental stewards dedicated to protecting plant life.
4. Climate Action: As the effects of the climate crisis intensify, discussions have centered on how botanic gardens can help develop climate-resilient landscapes and cities and research plants that can adapt to changing conditions.
Hope for the Future
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Patricia Malcolm during the presentation on the BGCI data tool - which we strongly encourage you to use.
Patricia Malcolm, botanist and BGCI's Membership and Conservation Services Manager, summed it up well in her closing notes; "Collaboration" was the single word mentioned in all of the abstracts submitted for the conference. This certainly gives us all hope for the future and underscores the power of global partnerships and innovation.
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The 2024 8GBGC conference renewed our energy and inspired numerous ideas. Our unwavering commitment to supporting botanic gardens in safeguarding our planet's future remains steadfast. We continue to provide the most up-to-date tools and methods for collecting, recording, and preserving botanical data. We are more curious than ever to learn about our community's research and triumphs. Collaborating with the global botanical garden community to develop best practices and protocols regarding plant records is a key part of IrisBG's mission. Stay tuned for exciting news on IrisBG software developments and collaborations in the following months! |
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The team representing IrisBG at the 8GBGC, Mari G. Rustan, Emil M. Lyrner, and Øyvind H. Rustan
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