News published: 21 July 2026

As part of the three-year programme, “Global Trees: Action for All Tree Species”, funded by Fondation Franklinia, BGCI are working with partners in 14 countries around the world to deliver in situ and ex situ conservation for some of the world’s most threatened tree species. A key part of this work includes training and capacity building of in-country partners and organisations.

MSBP Seed Conservation Techniques International Training Course in Ghana

Earlier this year, conservation experts and practitioners took part in the five-day Seed Conservation Techniques International (SCTi) course in Kumasi, Ghana, to strengthen national capacity in this important topic. The training was led by Millennium Seed Bank Partnership (MSBP) Certified Trainer Dr James Amponsah, with support from colleagues at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG). The course was designed to align with MSBP’s global standards, providing comprehensive training on seed conservation practices, ranging from field collection to long-term storage and data management.

A cohort of 15 participants was selected from the Ghana Threatened Tree Consortium, representing a diverse mix of seed banks, research institutions, restoration organisations and academia. The programme combined classroom-based theory with practical experience, including laboratory work and field sessions held at the Bobiri Forest Reserve. Participants gained hands-on experience in seed collecting, post-harvest handling, processing, viability testing and analytical methods. 

The course highlighted the strong local demand for seed conservation training and the importance of institutional support. Ongoing engagement with trainees is planned, and organisers hope to deliver additional courses in the future, subject to funding availability. 

Train the trainer: Propagation Protocols for Threatened Trees in Colombia

In November 2025, a 2-day Train-the-Trainer workshop, Propagation Protocols for Threatened Trees, was held at the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden in Bogotá, Colombia. The workshop brought together 43 participants from ten countries across South America. 

The first day focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge of propagation and the conservation of endangered trees. Sessions covered key conservation principles, the importance of propagation protocols, and national and regional conservation action plans presented by country experts. On the second day, participants took part in practical exercises and presentations aimed at developing their training and facilitation skills.  Participants familiarised themselves with approaches of transferring knowledge to others and made a start with designing their own workshops. 

Particular emphasis was placed on building the confidence and self-sufficiency of trainers. This was especially important as some participants had limited prior experience in designing and delivering training programmes.   

At the time of publication, the newly trained trainers had collectively trained 107 community members, including high school and university students, tree conservation and restoration professionals and botanic gardens, with additional training events still going on. This cascading effect promotes the transfer of knowledge and amplifies the impact of the skills acquired through the Training of Trainers course.