Botanic Gardens Conservation International

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is a membership organisation, representing botanic gardens in more than 100 countries around the world. It is an independent UK charity established in 1987 to link the botanic gardens of the world in a global network for plant conservation. We aim to support and empower our members and the wider conservation community, so that our knowledge and expertise can be applied to reversing the threat of extinction facing plants. Our vision is a world in which plant diversity is valued, secure and supporting all life, and our mission is: To mobilise botanic gardens and engage partners in securing plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet. The BGCI network of botanic gardens includes: globally significant living plant collections, covering approximately a third of known plant diversity; world class seed banks, glass houses and tissue culture infrastructures, and; technical knowledge networks covering all aspects of plant conservation policy, practice and education. BGCI is in a prime position to promote an efficient, cost-effective and rational approach to plant conservation in botanic gardens. As outlined in BGCI’s Business Case and Plan (2015-2020), we do this in four ways by: 1. Leading and advocacy; 2. Leading innovative and strategic projects achieving outcomes in plant conservation policy, practice and education; 3. Co-ordinating efforts and building plant conservation capacity in botanic gardens and broader society; 4. Providing funding.