News published: 16 September 2025

In September 2025, the third Southeast Asia Plant Biosecurity Forum, facilitated by the Southeast Asian Botanic Garden (SEABG) Network and the International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN), brought together around 30 participants from five countries to advance previous discussions on plant health and biosecurity strengthening across the region.

Key outcomes of the forum included the formal establishment of the Southeast Asia Plant Biosecurity Group (SEA-PBG) and agreement by participants on its structure, governance, and Terms of Reference. The SEA-PBG will serve as a platform for regional collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action to protect plant collections and plant biodiversity from biosecurity threats.

Among its first priorities, the SEA-PBG will focus on:
– Sharing available information, tools, resources, and best practices in plant health monitoring and biosecurity through a data repository;
– Identifying important documentation and resource gaps across the region; and
– Providing a space for botanic gardens, arboreta, and partner institutions to work together on key priorities and shared challenges

This milestone reflects the region’s growing momentum, shared commitment, and willingness to collaborate in safeguarding Southeast Asia’s rich plant collections and biodiversity.

Stay Connected
Stay rooted to the SEABG Facebook page for updates on future SEA-PBG activities.
If you wish to be part of the group or learn more, please contact us directly: david.ples@bgci.org or itxaso.quintana@bgci.org