Save and conserve
About 300,000 of the plant species in the world have been described and named but researchers believe that over 400,000 species actually exist, of which an estimated fifth are endangered. Here in Botaniska we have the knowledge and experience needed to be able to conserve endangered species.
According to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, plants must be protected and conserved in their natural habitats, for example via protection laws and nature reserves. Endangered plants can also be conserved in other places, outside their original habitats. In this way, the risk of extinction is minimised and the possibility exists of replanting in the original habitat if the need arises. Also, researchers gain an opportunity to investigate how plants are affected by being cultivated under varying conditions.
Cultivating plants outside their natural habitat entails many challenges. Many endangered plants are threatened precisely because they demand very specific conditions to thrive. In the Botanical Garden we have long experience of getting seeds to germinate and plants to flourish despite differing climate, hours of sunshine, soil type and environment compared with their original habitat.
On the initiative of the world's leading botanical gardens, a global strategy has been produced for the conservation of plants (Global Strategy for Plant Conservation) and it is now an important part of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. One of the goals of this strategy is that at least 75 % of the endangered plant species must be conserved outside their natural habitats. The Botanical Garden's work with endangered species is thus a vital piece of the puzzle for achieving this aim.
Conservation work
Endangered species from Scandinavia are conserved in the Rock Garden. Read more about our conservation work.
Nature close to cities
How shall we take care of nature close to cities so that both people and endangered species can thrive?
