Botanic gardens have key 21st Century social and environmental role, claims major new report

Botanic gardens have vast untapped potential as agents of social and environmental action, claims a groundbreaking new study commissioned by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). This is especially true in addressing pressing concerns like global climate change. But, the report argues, while organisations elsewhere across the cultural sector are re-evaluating their social and environmental roles, many gardens lack the capacity or motivation to do so, or even understand what their social roles really are.

Welcoming the report, BGCI Director of Education, Julia Willison, says “this is a wake-up call to all of us in the botanic garden community that there’s so much more we can do to meet our social and environmental responsibilities.”

Funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and carried out by Leicester University’s Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG), the research focused on the social role of botanic gardens in the UK.

The BGCI/Leicester study revealed a shared understanding that the gardens needed to develop in a number of key areas. Broadening their appeal beyond their traditional white, middle class constituencies and addressing the needs of their local communities more effectively were seen as priorities, as were education, modelling sustainable behaviour and changing attitudes and behaviours to the natural world. Gardens recognised the socio-economic importance of their research activities, in developing medicines and hardier crops for example, or setting up seed banks and pioneering conservation strategies. And on climate change, they shared the scientific consensus on the climate change threat.

But these aspirations, the report argues, were seldom matched by effective action because, historically, the gardens have not been required to consider their public roles, analyse their organisational structures accordingly or demonstrate their social worth to their governing bodies. And as a result, says the report, ‘small workforces and a lack of staff with specialist experience in social and community-based work lead to a lack of broader vision and an inward focus upon collections which is not conducive to community engagement.’

Encouraging examples of good practice were found, however, and one of these was Oxford University Botanic Garden, which closely aligned itself with the overall educational objectives of its parent university. And challenging the conventional model was the Eden Project, which was imbued with a strong social mission from its inception.

The report also highlighted the dearth of long-term research into who uses botanic gardens and why. Without understanding the impact they have, concludes the report, “botanic gardens will not see the real value of the work they do or be able to communicate their value to external audiences and funding bodies.”

The report recommends that botanic gardens re-evaluate their social and environmental roles within a modern framework of values, mission and vision and urges them to work together, through partnerships and networking organisations like BGCI to face the environmental and social challenges of the 21st Century.

Building on this research and with the continued support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, BGCI is now working with RCMG to promote the social role of botanic gardens throughout the UK. They are collaborating with an initial group of three gardens to frame new values, goals and practices designed to unlock their potential for encouraging positive social change and raising environmental awareness, especially about climate change.

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

‘Redefining the role of Botanic Gardens: Towards a new social purpose’ (http://www.le.ac.uk/ms/research/pub1132.html)

1. About BGCI

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)
Descanso House
199 Kew Road
Richmond Surrey TW9 3BW
Tel 020 8332 5953

BGCI is the largest international network of botanic gardens and related institutions working collectively for plant conservation and environmental education. Its mission is “to mobilise botanic gardens and engage partners in securing plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet.” Established in 1987 and with over 700 members drawn from almost 120 countries, BGCI provides technical and policy guidance as well as regular up to date information through its newsletters, magazines, conferences and courses. From influencing government policies and priorities to encouraging grassroots action, BGCI’s global reach and professional expertise enables it to achieve real conservation milestones. For further information, go to www.bgci.org

For all media enquiries, contact Julia Willison, Director of Education on 020 8832 5942 or e-mail at: Julia.Willison@bgci.org

2. About the Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG)

Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG), School of Museum Studies, University of Leicester,

Based in the School of Museum Studies at the University of Leicester, The Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG) researches into the social role, impact and agency of museums and galleries, focusing on themes of disability, representation, education and learning. The Centre works closely with cultural organisations to reflect on practice, report on the impact of practice, and, ultimately, improve practice. Its vision is to make museums inclusive, challenge prejudice, inspire learning and be relevant in contemporary society.

The RCMG works with a range of organisations, museums, galleries, libraries, archives, and botanic gardens.

For further information, contact Jocelyn Dodd, Director
Tel: +44 (0)116 252 3995
jad25@le.ac.uk

3. About Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is an international charitable foundation with cultural, educational and social interests. Based in Lisbon with offices in London and Paris, the Foundation is in a privileged position to support national and transnational work tackling contemporary issues. The purpose of the UK Branch in London is to connect and enrich the experiences of individuals, families and communities, with a special interest in supporting those who are most disadvantaged. Its current work focuses on three areas: cultural understanding, fulfilling potential, and the environment. Its aim for the environment is to help in the development of a society which benefits from a more sustainable relationship with the natural world and understands the value of its resources. For further information, go to www.gulbenkian.org.uk