After some difficult times a note of optimism is emerging for the future of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
This was the strong feeling that emerged at a forum held on 9 December at the Australian National University, convened by Senator Kate Lundy and the Friends of the National Botanic Gardens.
ANBG is a vital national institution dedicated to the preservation, study and community understanding of Australia’s native flora. In these times of environmental challenges such as climate change it was outlined by the Executive Director, Dr Judy West, that ANBG must take a leading role nationally in research on native plants.
Speakers identified a number of key priorities for the Gardens including –
- The unique value of the living collection as the key collection of Australian native plants and their genetic material
- The importance of unfolding the story of Australia’s native flora to visitors from all over Australia and internationally
- The need to develop partnerships with other institutions to enhance the research and information base and
- Connecting with schoolchildren who visit the national capital.
A key element to success in these areas is to ensure that Australians as a whole come to understand the importance of native flora and the key role of ANBG in their conservation, research and use.
Outside funding for major projects at the gardens is going to be essential in the future to achieve these priorities.
There will be a full summary of the forum available on the Friends of ANBG website and Senator Lundy’s Office will be compiling video footage of the evening available for view in the near future.
The draft management plan for ANBG will soon be available for public comment and agreement has been reached on access to water from Lake Burley Griffin to avoid the effects of water restrictions and reduce the Gardens dependence on potable water.
Media Contact: Annika Hutchins (Senator Kate Lundy) 0407 458 882 or 02 6230 0411
Contacts for Friends : Alan Munns 6249 1154 or David Coutts 6258 8840
