A Globally Connected Living Collections Data Ecosystem

  • Region

    Global

  • Topic

    Plant Conservation

  • Source

    BGCI
Passiflora tine, an extremely rare plant held by two gardens worldwide including Cambridge University Botanic Garden. This plant is endemic to Ecuador, and endangered in the wild. Around 40% of the world’s plant diversity is at elevated risk of extinction, and botanic gardens form a critical safety net against this by enabling species to be restored to the wild. Credit: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Passiflora tine, an extremely rare plant held by two gardens worldwide including Cambridge University Botanic Garden. This plant is endemic to Ecuador, and endangered in the wild. Around 40% of the world’s plant diversity is at elevated risk of extinction, and botanic gardens form a critical safety net against this by enabling species to be restored to the wild. Credit: Cambridge University Botanic Garden

News Published: 09 November 2026

A vision for a Globally Integrated Future for Ex Situ Plant Conservation

Botanic gardens hold a unique and powerful resource for plant conservation. Yet living collections data remain fragmented across institutions, systems and regions, limiting our collective ability to prioritise action and maximise conservation impact.

To address this challenge, the BGCI Living Collections Database Advisory Group has developed a vision for a globally connected Living Collections Data Ecosystem that will help gardens manage, share and use living collections, genetic and geospatial data more effectively. The aim is to support better conservation decisions, strengthen collaboration and increase the impact of ex situ conservation worldwide.

We are now moving from vision to action, and there are three ways to get involved:

  • Apply to be a Coordinator. We will soon recruit a dedicated Living Collections Data Ecosystem Coordinator to support delivery of the programme and help coordinate the work of the expert working groups and the Advisory Group. We warmly encourage interested candidates from across the global botanic garden community to apply when the position is advertised.
  • Help fund the first year. This initiative will only succeed through collective effort and investment. The first year of work will be funded through voluntary contributions from botanic gardens and partners, separate from existing BGCI membership fees. If your institution may be able to contribute financially, please contact Anne-Marie Frankland (anne-marie.frankland@bgci.org).
  • Join an expert work group. We are inviting colleagues worldwide to help shape standards, governance and future priorities for the ecosystem. We particularly welcome participation from a diverse range of institutions, regions and areas of expertise. If you would like to get involved, please contact Hanna Tornevall (hanna.tornevall@vgregion.se) before November 20th.

Together, we have an opportunity to build the information infrastructure needed to strengthen ex situ plant conservation and secure greater impact for plant diversity worldwide.