Abstract:

Aims: Global plant diversity has declined in recent decades, primarily due to human activities and climate change, posing a threat to human existence. In this context, botanical gardens have played a vital role in the research and protection of plant diversity. In China, a system of national botanical gardens is being developed to collect, protect, and study wild plants, thereby promoting their sustainable use. To support this effort, the goal of our paper is to analyze the current state of knowledge on botanical gardens in China and identify effective strategies for plant diversity conservation. 

Methods: To accomplish this goal, we collected data from 170 botanical gardens located in China. General data included year of establishment, affiliations, and staff structure, while performance outcomes focused on conservation, research, education, horticulture, and amenities. These data were used to categorize the gardens into levels A through D, with Level A representing the highest level of performance and Level D the lowest. 

Results: Our analyses revealed that 90% of botanical gardens in China are government-sponsored, public welfare institutions. Notably, gardens affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences were the leading contributors to scientific research. While gardens managed by government administrations made significant contributions to conservation, horticulture, education, and recreation, their research capacities were less developed. Lastly, the limited collaboration among gardens hindered their overall impact. 

Conclusion: To bridge this gap, we propose three main strategies. First, establish a connected system of national, regional, and local botanical gardens to facilitate collaborative efforts in protecting China’s native flora and contributing to global plant conservation. Second, construct an integrated information facility for plant conservation, leveraging digitalization and standardization to strengthen cooperation among gardens. Finally, introduce botanical garden accreditation and innovative operational models to ensure long-term sustainability. We believe that these recommendations will enhance the efficiency of plant diversity conservation and contribute to sustainable development.

Key words: national botanical gardens, ex situ conservation, digitalization, standardization, conservation network, sustainable development