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The Rufford Foundation

The Rufford Foundation has generously supported BGCI’s core and programme activities since 1998.

The support of the Rufford Foundation (formerly the Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation) has been important in our recent work:

Grow Africa is a programme which started in January 2010. Our partners are botanic gardens in Uganda, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. The project's overall goal will be establishing endangered trees in restored forests and home gardens; and extension of the project to other countries. The project gives a new purpose for African botanic gardens linking them with the forestry sector and a recognition that endangered trees can be conserved. We plan to measure the availability of appropriate trees for planting schemes and the development of long term partnerships. Read more about this programme in an article for Funa & Flora International's journal Oryx 'REDD+ manual for botanic gardens'.

BGCI published a report entitled 'Botanic gardens, endangered trees and reforestation in Africa' in 2011 which was assisted by the Rufford Foundation.

Medicinal Plants in Vietnam  This programme in BaVi National Park in Northern Vietnam is a model for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants. It conserved two native plants: Stephania dielsian - a plant used in the production of anti-inflammatory and tranquillizer drugs; and Ardisia gigantifolia which is used for stomach ache and tuberculosis. Traditional Dzao and San Diu herbalists living adjacent to the park became engaged in conserving both species, and hundreds of plants have been reintroduced into the area.

BG Journal  Rufford Foundation supported two recent editions of  the BGCI publication BG Journal. Firstly, BG Journal (Volume 6.1) which was themed ‘Ecological restoration and the role of botanic gardens’. It was guest edited by the Director of RBG Kew, and articles described the specific focus and work of several botanic gardens in responding to this challenge.  The journal was distributed to BGCI members, and delegates at two conferences. Secondly, BG Journal (Volume 6.2) was also published with the help of Rufford. This issue which was themed ‘Botanic gardens addressing sustainability’, was distributed to delegates attending two 2010 conferences on Sustainability in the Public Education Sector.

The 7^th International Congress on Education in Botanic Gardens in Durban, South Africa This event in November 2009 was hosted by BGCI, and attended by 110 delegates from 23 countries. The congress showcased how gardens are using education to contribute to the Global strategy for plant conservation and Millennium Development goals. Participants developed plans to encourage environmental justice, address climate change and highlight the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. There were 43 papers and 20 posters presented, and 33 workshops held.  Financial support enabled the congress organisation and publication of the materials. 

“We continue to be impressed by the work being done by BGCI”

Terry Kenny, Trust Director, Rufford Foundation

BGCI Conservation Donors

When you become a BGCI Conservation Donor, you play an active role in securing plant diversity.

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