Botanical gardens everywhere are moving to deal with the challenges of climate change and its effects on the collections they steward. Policies are being developed around the world and one of the first, and most extensive, is that recently published by the Royal Botanic Gardens–Victoria for its 170 year old Melbourne Gardens.
The document lays out the background, issues and problems, and proposes strategies and targets to be achieved. The document is forward-looking and seeks to take the gardens through the next 20 years.
Regardless of where in the world your garden is located, you have been, are being, and will continue to be impacted by climate change and the effects it has on your weather. Changes in the health of some plants are already being documented and the makeup of collections will likely change–not overnight, but certainly not on a geological time-frame.
Planning for the future has long been a task for garden executives. Master plans, strategic plans and others will all benefit from the nesting of a consideration of landscape succession within them. Keep your garden relevant and at the forefront of local, national, and international discussions of the biggest challenge of our day.
This is a must read for botanical garden professionals and environmental planners. RBGV has graciously made the document available to all at:
Thanks to RBGV and Melbourne….