News published: 23 July 2025

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) have launched a global survey to document the contributions of botanic gardens to ecological restoration and to inform future action in this realm.

This effort is part of a broader initiative to better understand and support the role of botanic gardens in ecological restoration for climate resilience. We are gathering insights from gardens at all stages of engagement, from those just beginning to explore this realm of work to those with long-standing programs. Responses will help build a clearer picture of how botanic gardens are currently contributing to global restoration goals and where further support, partnerships, or knowledge sharing may be most valuable.

The survey serves dual purposes. It is a foundational component of the Nurturing Nature Initiative, a collaborative effort to activate the potential of botanic gardens in delivering scalable, plant-based solutions to climate change. In addition, for members of the Ecological Restoration Alliance of Botanic Gardens (ERA), the survey offers a moment to reflect on progress during the 2021 to 2025 strategy period and to help shape the future direction of the Alliance.

The survey – what to expect?

The survey is structured into several key sections that invite respondents to share information about their institution’s restoration activities, organisational context, and strategic priorities. It includes questions to explore specific restoration projects, the garden’s role and involvement, challenges encountered, and aspirations for future work. For members of the Ecological Restoration Alliance of Botanic Gardens (ERA), the survey also explores progress made under the current strategy and gathers input on priorities for the next phase of the Alliance’s efforts.

The survey is intended to be completed by a garden staff member with knowledge of their institution’s strategic direction and restoration efforts. Only one response per garden is requested, and the survey should take no more than fifteen minutes to complete. It will remain open for thirty days.

All botanic gardens are encouraged to participate and to share the survey widely within their networks. Each response will strengthen our shared understanding and our ability to empower botanic gardens within restoration and climate resilience efforts worldwide.

For questions or more information, please contact Emma Grover or David Bartholomew.

[LINK to SURVEY TO COME]