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North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Plant Conservation

North American Botanic Gardens Strategy for Plant Conservation

The result of three years of consultation and discussion, the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Plant Conservation (NABGS) was published in 2007 by the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), the Asociación Mexicana de Jardines Botánicos, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), the Canadian Botanical Conservation Network (CBCN) and the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC). 

The NABGS recognizes that the botanical gardens of North America hold some of the most diverse collections of plants from around the world, and that many have the expertise, knowledge and resources to grow their plant conservation efforts in North America and around the globe.

The strategy is comprised of 19 specific and measurable Targets that fall under one of six major Goals. Each target contains recommendations and subtargets regarding actions botanic gardens can take (ranging from research, collections management, land stewardship, education, public awareness or other programs) to collectively work towards saving the vast diversity of plant species in North America and around the world.

For additional details, click here for access to full (PDF) versions of the NABGS in English, French, or Spanish.

Below is a short summary of the Goals and Targets included in the NABGS:

A. Understanding and documenting plant diversity

  1. Work toward a complete list of North American flora

  2. Review and contribute to assessments of the conservation status of North American flora

    B. Conserving plant diversity

    1. Work collaboratively to support in situ conservation (national and international)

    2. Increase ex situ conservation efforts (national and international)

    3. lncreased participation in formal recovery planning and implementation (national and international)

    4. Contribute to conservation/preservation of economically and socially important plants

    5. Recognize role in invasive species management and education

    6. Expand support and contribution to basic and applied research on conservation biology and plant diversity

    C. Using plant diversity sustainably

    1. Support and contribute to sustainable use of plant resources

    2. Contribute to awareness and protection of cultural, local indigenous knowledge and uses of plants

    D. Promoting public education and awareness about plant diversity

    1. Reach 50 million visitors/year with messages about the importance of plant diversity and inspire action to protect it

    2. Promote & participate in public-awareness campaigns

    E. Building capacity for conservation of plant diversity

    1. Increase national and international capacity for conservation and sustainable use of plant diversity

    2. Integrate conservation ethic and environmental awareness into operations

    3. Leaders in greening operations provide guidance to other institutions

    4. Take leadership role and increase involvement in advocacy and public policy issues for plant conservation

    5. Build broader public constituency for plants and conservation

    6. Better share and promote existing information and resources on plant conservation

    F. Supporting the North American Strategy

    1. Demonstrate support by adopting NABGS and work to implement the targets appropriate to their institutions
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