News published: 18 June 2025

The 11th International Congress on Education in Botanic Gardens (ICEBG), held last week in Seoul, Korea, was a resounding success. Hosted by the Korea National Arboretum (KNA), the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute (KOAGI) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) the congress brought together more than 1,600 participants from 51 countries, making it the largest ICEBG to date. 

Over five inspiring days, delegates from across the world gathered to explore how education in botanic gardens can address urgent global challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate change, while strengthening community engagement and inclusion. 

The rich programme featured outstanding keynote and plenary speakers, as well as a wide range of oral sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The congress created a vital platform for sharing experiences, showcasing innovation, and building collaboration across regions and disciplines. 

In addition to the formal sessions, participants took part in several memorable events, including: 

• A full-day excursion to the Korea National Arboretum on Tuesday, where we enjoyed a delicious meal together and had the chance to visit the Arboretum and its facilities, followed by the Congress dinner, featuring a captivating performance by the Saengdonggam Crew. 

• A full-day excursion to the Demiliatiarized Zone (DMZ) on Friday, where attendees had the opportunity to learn more about Korea’s complex and fascinating history, visit the botanic garden, and enjoy a live musical performance by an incredible orchestra featuring: Mijung Im (piano), Kyung Sun Lee (violin), Siyeon Ryu (violin), Kyung Hee (janggu), Yoon Kyung Shin (viola), Jeong Joo Choi (cello), and Hyung-Min Lee (piano). 

As part of the closing ceremony a number of prizes were awarded: 

• The winners of the 2025 Marsh Awards in International Plant Conservation and Education in Botanic Gardens were announced, with the winner of the Education in Botanic Gardens (Vesta Vančugovienė) present in person to receive her award. 

• The winners of the Congress poster prizes, voted for by ICEBG delegates were announced. Big thanks to the New Phytologist Foundation for providing the prizes. 

Finally as part of the closing ceremony KNA read out a statement to summarise the key themes of the congress and recommendations for the future. As part of this June 12 was declared as the  annual day of education in botanic gardens. Read more here.

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the high-quality content, excellent organisation, and warm hospitality. 

BGCI would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all those who participated, presented, and contributed to the success of the event. Thanks go to the Scientific Committee and BGCI’s Education Consortium for their help in shaping the Congress Programme. We would also like to acknowledge the Congress Sponsors for their incredible support to make this event happen. Lastly a special thanks goes to the entire team at the Korea National Arboretum for their exceptional organisation, warm hospitality, and dedication in making the congress such a success! 

The 11th ICEBG was a celebration of global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a shared commitment to strengthening the role of botanic gardens in education and conservation. We look forward to continuing this momentum and building on the connections made in Seoul!