| | Dear Belinda, The devastating earthquake in Haiti was some 4 weeks ago now. With search efforts formally called off, relief and recovery are now the big priorities for the hundreds of thousands of people who lost everything. Once the provision of water, sanitation and shelter is assured there will be a need to rebuild. Hopefully the opportunity to sustainably revitalise and restore the country - drawing on common knowledge about the links between the built environment and human well being - will not be lost. 
BGCI has been in touch with Cayes Botanic Garden in Haiti and will be working with them to develop a Day of Celebration for positive change and sustainability on 1st May 2010, watch this space for further information and to get involved. 
Sustainability discourse is clearly linked to climate change and energy issues and it is our job to communicate this in new, aspirational ways. Humans make real that which we can imagine most tangibly - if an apocalyptic vision of climate chaos is the most common one we see, the one we can imagine most vividly, we are psychologically programmed to fulfil it. What we must build instead then is a visual and compelling vision of low carbon heaven. Botanic gardens are perfectly placed to inspire society with aspirational ideas of a better way of living. There's never been a greater need to counter the doomsday visions that are becoming abundant in popular culture. Please let us know how you are imagining and implementing a bright green future. 
Green spaces, both public and private, should form an integral part of any rebuilding strategy and 2009's BG Journals touch on these issues - you can download them both for free. The challenge of sustainability - Sustainable development is generally accepted to encompass environmental, social and economic sustainability. Botanic gardens have a role to play in supporting sustainable development as well as looking at their own sustainability. Considerations of energy and water use are critical at a time of global climate change and financial sustainability is foremost in all our minds. This issue of BGJournal provides case studies of how botanic gardens are tackling various aspects of sustainability around the world. Ecological restoration and the role of botanic gardens - Botanic gardens have long played a crucial role in documentation plant diversity and supporting efforts to protect it. Now, in the face of accelerating climate change and loss of biodiversity, it is clear that repair and restoration of damaged plant communities is needed more than ever before. With the unique combination of scientific and practical plant-based skills in botanic gardens, they are ideally placed to support a new surge in restoration science and management. 
4GBGC: Addressing global change: A new agenda for botanic gardens Join hundreds of botanic garden staff in Dublin, Ireland, for the 4th Global Botanic Gardens Congress from 13th to 18th June 2010. Hosted by the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, participants from all over the world will present their latest work in plant conservation. The Congress will include symposia and workshops on the most challenging current concerns of botanic gardens worldwide, including biodiversity conservation, climate change, sustainability, environmental education, innovative horticulture and collections management, and much more. Registration is now open and a special rate early registration fee is applicable until 28th February 2010. 
BGCI, alongside the Trust for Sustainable Living, the UK Association of Science & Discovery Centres (ASDC) and the British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is organising two one-day conferences in the UK on 'Strategic pathways to sustainability in the public education sector' (24th March 2010) and 'Embedding sustainability - Practical pathways for operational and educational practice in public education institutions' (29th September 2010). 
Look out for the inclusion of some iconic tree species on the IUCN Red List Species of the Day, which sits on the BGCI homepage. We've selected 15 Red Listed tree species that we're working with to be singled out and profiled on Species of the Day. They should be appearing soon. Our Tree Red Listing continues, the Acer ex situ survey is underway, to be followed by the Red List of Rhododendrons. After that we're Red Listing the Ebenaceae, so get in touch if you would like to be involved. Next time, the fabulous results of the latest Fairchild Challenge BGCI Global Option, where students designed a front cover for UK band Storey's new single. Until Spring, Belinda and everyone at BGCI cultivate@bgci | | Issue 28,February 2010 
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Support BGCI - please consider becoming a member 
Plant Conservation Day is May 18th. How will your garden be celebrating? Visit the Plant Conservation Day website for ideas to help organise your celebration. 
GSPC survey - last chance to fill it in as 24th February deadline approaches. We're asking all Cultivators to complete a quick survey - available in English, French and Spanish. It should take no more than 15 minutes. Many thanks in advance for you help. 
We had such a positive response last time we managed to persuade the IUCN to let us have 10 more sets of Centres of Plant Diversity: A guide and strategy for their conservation (Volumes 1, 2 and 3) edited by S.D.Davis, V.H.Heywood and A.C.Hamilton. This will be the last chance to get hold of copies so if you're interested please email us. 
The Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins. Inspirational, empowering and warm-hearted guide to the hands-on creation of a liveable future. 
Buy it (or anything) from our Amazon shop and a percentage of the price will support BGCI. Just click on the Amazon logo on the top right corner of our Amazon page. 
BGCI is celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity | |
