In an interconnected world, where the movement of plants and plant products is ubiquitous, international cooperation is essential to prevent the spread of pests and diseases that threaten plant health and biodiversity. Biosecurity is a fundamental aspect of botanic garden living collections management and essential for preserving plant diversity and protecting ecosystems. By implementing robust biosecurity policies and best practices, botanic gardens can effectively manage risks and contribute to global efforts in plant conservation.

Plant Biosecurity

Plant biosecurity encompasses measures designed to prevent, control, and manage the risks posed by different organisms to plants and ecosystems.

Globally, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) provides a framework for harmonizing phytosanitary measures and promoting cooperation among countries to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases harmful to plant health.

The IPPC is a multilateral treaty aimed at protecting plant health while facilitating safe trade in plants and plant products (you can find more about the IPPC following the link below).

The IPPC develops International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) that establish guidelines and best practices for plant health protection. These standards cover various aspects of biosecurity, including quarantine measures and inspection procedures, which are applicable to the management of plant collections in botanic gardens. To learn more about the ISPMs follow the link below:

International trade in plants and plant products is regulated through phytosanitary certification, which verifies compliance with phytosanitary requirements to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Botanic gardens may require phytosanitary certification when exchanging plant materials with other institutions or participating in collaborative conservation projects.

You can learn more about the phytosanitary certification system by following the link below.

In an effort to facilitate the implementation and integration of the above standards and IPPC phytosanitary measures, BGCI has developed and currently offers a Biosecurity compliance certification.

This certification, sets a baseline standard for biosecurity and phytosanitary practices in institutions managing plant collections. It addresses all the key biosecurity policy and best practices elements and assesses compliance with key national/international plant material movement procedures.

To learn more about how to apply follow the link below.

Key Biosecurity Measures Relevant to Botanic Gardens

As custodians of diverse plant collections botanic gardens and arboreta are subject to the biosecurity provisions outlined by the IPPC. Some of these essential biosecurity measures and procedures include:

• Pathway Risk Analysis (PRA): This is a crucial activity for botanic gardens to assess and manage the risks associated with introducing and moving plants and plant material into and within their collections. It involves identifying potential routes of pests and diseases introduction, evaluating their impacts, and implementing measures to prevent their spread. This process safeguards plant collections, protects ecosystems, and ensures sustainability by enabling targeted control and monitoring efforts.

• Development and Implementation of Biosecurity Policies and Best Practices Guidelines: Both documents are fundamental for plant collection management as they provide a structured approach to safeguarding valuable and often rare collections, ensuring compliance with national and international regulations, and helping maintain the health of both the collections and the wider environment. While Biosecurity Policies are formal documents outlining the rules and procedures designed to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful pests, pathogens, and invasive species within and beyond the collection. Biosecurity best practices are the practical steps and protocols that focus on implementing these policies on a day-to-day basis (e.g. including information such as use of quarantine areas, cleaning of tools and footwear, and proper waste disposal). Clear policies and best practice protocols are vital for protecting rare collections, complying with regulations, and minimizing biosecurity risks in these high plant/people-traffic environments.

• Surveillance and Early Detection: Timely detection of pests and diseases is essential for effective biosecurity.Surveillance in living plant collection management should include regular monitoring, thorough documentation, and standardized protocols for detecting pests, diseases, or other threats. Accurate record-keeping and the use of digital tools help ensure timely detection and effective response, safeguarding the health and integrity of collections. Botanic gardens can also contribute to international efforts in surveillance and early detection by monitoring their plant collections, participating in international initiatives and reporting relevant information to national authorities (find your National Plant Protection Organization HERE).
  

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The IPSN and Plant Biosecurity

The IPSN is dedicated to promoting biosecurity and building capacity  and awareness among botanic gardens, arboreta and other plant collection organisation and users worldwide.

Through its resource development and collaborative efforts, IPSN empowers its members to proactively monitor/manage pest and disease risks, protect plant collections, and contribute to global plant conservation efforts.

You can learn more about current efforts by visiting our project and resource pages.