Grant blog published 06 May 2026

International Day of Education Grants

To celebrate International Day of Education in Botanic Gardens, and the recently launched Declaration of Intent on Climate Action Education, BGCI and the Korea National Arboretum provided a number of grants to BGCI members undertaking education activities aligned with the climate declaration.

This blog provides an overview of one of the projects funded – the Leaf to Life project by BGCI member Universiti Brunei Darussalam Botanical Research Centre.

The project

As part of BGCI’s International Day of Education in Botanic Gardens, the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Botanical Research Centre is preparing to launch Leaf to Life: Connecting People, Plants, and Climate Resilience, a new public outreach programme designed to bring climate education beyond the classroom and into the wider community.
Located within one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, Brunei is home to pristine tropical forests that not only harbour globally threatened species but also play a vital role in climate stability. Despite Brunei’s biodiversity strengths, climate education remains largely school-based, and there is a growing need for increased public awareness of the interconnectedness between plants and the climate. Through Leaf to Life, the UBD Botanical Research Centre is responding to this challenge by strengthening public understanding of the critical role plants play in climate resilience. Leaf to Life seeks to engage a broader audience with Brunei’s native plants and forests, encouraging lifelong learning and fostering deeper connections between people and plants.

At the core of the programme is a “botanizing” approach, which invites participants to slow down, observe, and experience plants first hand. Rather than learning through lectures alone, participants engage directly with living collections in the botanic garden, guided by botanists and biodiversity researchers. This approach helps make scientific knowledge more accessible and encourages curiosity, reflection, and personal connection with nature.
The Leaf to Life programme is designed as a half-day session for up to 30 participants, to be delivered in three sessions from June to October 2026. Each session begins with an introduction to climate change and the role of plants in building resilient landscapes. Participants then join an interactive guided walk through the Centre’s living collections, where they explore native species, learn about their ecological roles, and discover how plants adapt to their habitats and environmental changes. The session concludes with a plant treasure hunt, giving participants the opportunity to apply their knowledge through observation and exploration in a fun and engaging way.

The first Leaf to Life session is scheduled for 14 June, in conjunction with the International Day of Education in Botanic Gardens. In preparation, the team has been developing programme materials, refining guided walk routes, and designing engaging, accessible content that highlights both climate resilience and Brunei’s native plant diversity. To further enhance public engagement to celebrate the International Day of Education in Botanic Gardens, the day’s programme will include a series of nature activities open to visitors of all ages. These include a UBD Campus Nature Walk focusing on the unique biodiversity of the University’s green campus, a Greenhouse Exploration showcasing the Centre’s curated greenhouse collections, and a guided Kerangas Hike through rare Bornean heath forest. Each of these activities offers unique opportunities to explore plants across different habitats in an interactive and experiential way. For younger participants, the Greenhouse Exploration tour will include a creative art session to help nurture early curiosity and appreciation for plants.

Through these combined efforts, the UBD Botanical Research Centre aims to create an inclusive and inspiring learning environment where people of all backgrounds can connect with nature. By experiencing plants directly, participants gain a better understanding of how plant diversity supports ecosystems, livelihoods, and climate adaptation.

Ultimately, Leaf to Life seeks to inspire participants not only to appreciate plants, but to recognise their role in addressing climate change. By encouraging individuals to become advocates for plant conservation, the programme contributes to building a stronger culture of environmental stewardship in Brunei.

As the UBD BRC continues to grow its outreach efforts, Leaf to Life represents an important step towards its vision of becoming a hub for education, research, and community engagement. By aligning with BGCI’s Declaration of Intent on Climate Action Education, Leaf to Life highlights the powerful role botanic gardens can play in connecting people with plants and inspiring action for a more climate-resilient future.