ABSTRACT. Botanic gardens are no longer solely spaces for plant conservation; they are emerging as strategic platforms for education, social transformation, and political agency in the face of the global crisis. This keynote will explore how networking among botanic gardens and their engagement with society can empower climate literacy and foster civic action, with a particular emphasis on educational communities.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) provide multiple opportunities to enhance the habitability of cities and neighbourhoods by regulating microclimates, improving biodiversity, and delivering ecosystem services that support human well-being. Beyond their ecological benefits, NbS can become powerful drivers of political agency, enabling citizens to demand their implementation in urban planning and local policies.

Botanic gardens also contribute to the broader goal of integrating plant awareness into teacher training, equipping future teachers to convey the importance of plants in fostering sustainability and biodiversity awareness among their students. Reclaiming botanic gardens as key spaces for formal education, rather than limiting them to non-formal contexts, opens up new pathways to connect science, society, and transformative action.

In line with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, this perspective calls for a shift from purely technical approaches to climate change education towards a socio-scientific framework that embraces political agency, critical thinking, and civic participation. By linking education, research, and community networks, botanic gardens can become catalysts for a climate-conscious society where individuals and institutions act as agents of change.

ABSTRACT. With ambitious targets to restore degraded ecosystems across Europe, there is urgent need to explore all available resources in support of ecological restoration. In this paper, we explore the critical role that seed banks can play in meeting these restoration challenges.

First, we examine the current meta-seed bank collections within the European Native Seed Conservation Network, analysing species composition, geographic and ecological coverage, and potential applications across different restoration methods and ecosystem types. This assessment highlights both the strengths and current gaps in collections relative to restoration needs and helps define the role that seed banks could play in restoration.

Second, we draw attention to the specialist expertise within the seed conservation and botanic garden community, including knowledge in seed germination biology, reproductive ecology, population genomics, provenance strategies, and seed quality assurance. These capacities are essential for successful restoration initiatives.

Third, we set out key priorities for strengthening the role of European seed banks and botanic gardens in restoration, including better defining their role, expanding collections and fostering closer partnerships with restoration practitioners and policymakers.

We conclude that seed banks represent a vital asset for ecosystem restoration in Europe. Realizing their full potential will require targeted investment in collections, research, and capacity building, as well as a strategic shift to integrate seed banking more closely into the broader restoration agenda. By bridging conservation and restoration, seed banks can act as powerful enablers of Europe's ambitious ecological recovery goals.

ABSTRACT. How can we educate people to ‘see’ plants and understand their importance? How can we educate young generations encouraging a participative environmental citizenship? LIFE 4 Pollinators project (LIFE18/GIE/IT000755; www.life4pollinators.eu) tried to address these challenges, mainly through the launch of the citizen science school project Students 4 Pollinators and the creation of innovative tools to illustrate pollinator and plant diversity, pollination process and its multiple benefits. In fact, the alarming news on the global decline of bees has reached most people, but it is often oversimplified and misunderstood. A lot still needs to be done to increase knowledge and awareness on this issue. Students 4 Pollinators project has been implemented in Italy and Greece; the activity is detailed in the Citizen Science handbook distributed to participants, together with the field guides to main pollinator and plant functional groups. Training of teachers and educators was conducted to increase the number of students involved and enable replication. A total of 1200 secondary school students participated, and 313 teachers were trained. Learning outcomes and project effectiveness were assessed through questionnaires. Results show an increase of knowledge and awareness, as well as willingness to adopt virtuous behaviors and share new knowledge with families and friends. Regarding teachers, performance indicators are significantly higher than expected and the majority (86%) expressed intention to replicate the activity in the future, demonstrating the success of the workshop. To date, 32 schools have been recognized as “Pollinator-friendly” for their commitment to help wild pollinators. The long-term continuation of Students 4 Pollinators is guaranteed in Bologna by the University Museum Network, being included within the Botanic Garden and Herbarium educational offer for schools. The newly established Pollinator-Garden section within the Botanic Garden represents an ideal place to carry out the practical activities with schools, and for general public dissemination, as well as for research purposes. In this regard, the digital guides of entomophilous plants and of wild bees of the garden are now available online. Among the most innovative successful tools and activities are the drawing competition and the art installation realized in Greece, as well as the ‘Mobile Pollinator Exhibition’, which travelled across Europe reaching thousands of people.

ABSTRACT. Modern pharmaceutical and medical science has largely moved away from using plants as their main source of potentially new pharmaceuticals. In this project we test if historical uses of Scandinavian medicinal plants can provide inspiration for novel drugs that target the immune system and the microbiome, both highly active fields of study. Based on literature and archaeological sources dating back to the Middle Ages our team identified a set of plant species with potentially immunomodulatory effects. Using immunological screening assays, we then identified novel polyphenols for regulating immune reactions. Plant material for this study was collected around sites with a long history of growing medical plants, and are grown in the University of Oslo Botanical Garden as potential cultural relict species. We showcase the importance of preserving cultural relict populations in botanical gardens in parallel with more nature-focused ex situ conservation of plants.

ABSTRACT. BGCI is a membership organisation representing botanic gardens and conservation organisations in more than 100 countries around the world. BGCI plays a key role in empowering our membership by enhancing their capacity to manage plant diversity and advance plant conservation efforts, and our services and networks are crucial to make this happen.

BGCI holds the secretariat to the European Botanic Garden Consortium (EBGC) and coordinates other regional networks, such as the Red Sudamericana de Jardines Botanicos (RSAJB). We also coordinate the work of several technical networks including the Global Conservation Consortia (GCC). The networks we coordinate and the services we provide through the membership (including accreditation, grants and data) mobilises botanic gardens in securing plant diversity.

BGCI’s data tools provide our botanic garden community with a wealth of information and a chance for gardens to contribute data to coordinate effective conservation action. These tools can be used not only for country and regional level conservation action, but also to identify the conservation value of a garden’s collections and help grow these collections by sharing materials with other gardens.

In this short oral presentation we will demonstrate the value of BGCI networks, a run-through of our services and the latest developments in BGCI tools, and how this information can be used effectively for coordinated efforts in the Global Conservation Consortia and national action plans.

ABSTRACT. The Ecological Restoration Alliance of Botanic Gardens (ERA) was established with the objective of sharing the skills, resources and plant materials of botanic gardens to scale up restoration activities around the world. ERA members have a strong focus on biodiversity. ERA members are building capacity for restoration, including by setting up demonstration sites that restore degraded areas, provide training, and communicate the value of adopting a science-based approach to ecological restoration. ERA has more than 40 members globally and is coordinated by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).

A flagship initiative supported by ERA is The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS), the most scientifically rigorous biodiversity certification that recognises and promotes the protection, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity. TGBS applies the tried and tested expertise of the global biodiversity community, with the knowledge of local communities, to tree planting and restoration sites across the world. Botanic gardens are a core part of TGBS, providing hubs for assessments and mentoring for better biodiversity outcomes in restoration.

This session will share the latest goals of ERA, highlight the work of ERA members and share progress on TGBS. Come along to this session to find out how European botanic gardens can participate.

ABSTRACT. An association of botanical gardens in Germany has been committed to botanical species conservation in the Germany-wide joint-project “Wildpflanzenschutz-Deutschland” (WIPs-De, wildpflanzenschutz.uni-osnabrueck.de) since 2013. The project, carried out by the Botanical gardens of the Universities of Osnabrück, Potsdam, Regensburg, the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin and the “Grüne Schule” of the botanical garden of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, focuses on rare and endangered species whose centre of distribution is in Central Europe. We run seed banks, maintain and propagate endangered species in our gardens and reintroduce them to suitable locations. In the last period of the project this year we are focusing on the monitoring of our reintroductions and are working on making the documentation of the numerous and varied work publicly available. Therefore, not only the seed accessions which are stored in the project seed banks and the conservation cultures will be published on relevant portals, but a database concept will also be available that provides information on the reintroduction and reinforcement measures. We will also look at reintroductions and enhancements that have failed, as these efforts are not usually publicised but can provide valuable information to avoid mistakes in future conservation efforts. The conservation work in the garden as well as in the field is accompanied by numerous educational actions. These are aimed at schoolchildren on the one hand and multipliers such as employees from nature conservation centres, foundations and volunteers from nature conservation associations on the other. On our website wildwuchs.uni-mainz.de you will find lots of information, videos, materials, suggestions and ideas for children, teachers and other educators on the subject of wild plant conservation.

ABSTRACT. RIBES Rete Italiana Banche del Germoplasma per la conservazione Ex Situ della flora minacciata is the Italian network of germplasm banks devoted to the ex situ conservation of rare and threatened plant species. The network currently includes 18 members across 14 Italian regions. Most participating seed banks are affiliated with and closely collaborate with botanical gardens. RIBES maintains active connections with relevant international networks and associations, such as the Network of Mediterranean Plant Conservation Centres (GENMEDA), the European Native Seed Conservation Network (ENSCONET), and the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership at the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. RIBES primary aim is to promote and implement integrated in situ/ex situ conservation of Italy’s threatened flora through coordinated actions, including population monitoring, germplasm collection, long-term seed storage, plant propagation, and translocation programs. These efforts have yielded significant results, including a) enhanced knowledge of the conservation status of endangered species and habitats; b) the development of protocols for germplasm collection, seed management, and native plant propagation, with the involvement of nurseries and private plant producers; c) ecological restoration and reinforcement of wild populations. Based on the latest survey of collections (2018), RIBES seed banks store over 25,000 accessions of seeds and spores, representing c. 3,200 taxa, equivalent to c. 40% of Italy’s native vascular flora, including many endemic and threatened species listed in the national Red List and in the Annexes of the Habitats Directive and the Bern Convention. These figures have increased in recent years thanks to the expanding activities of the network. A new census of RIBES collections is currently underway. Through its close collaboration with botanical gardens, RIBES also engages in educational and outreach initiatives. These include biodiversity awareness campaigns, professional training programs, and the development of educational tools (mini seed banks, sticker albums), all aimed at fostering public engagement in nature conservation. The RIBES network plays a strategic role in achieving national conservation targets for the Italian flora, while advancing standardized protocols and best practices for integrated species conservation. Collaborating with botanical gardens, it also contributes to fostering public awareness and engagement in biodiversity conservation.

ABSTRACT. Changes in phenology induced by climate change have important implications for ecosystem functioning and services. Thus, phenological research has gained a lot more significance within the last years. PhenObs is a network of botanical gardens for phenological observations, ranging from North America to (mainly) Europe and temperate Asia and was founded in 2017. It brings together scientists, students and citizen scientists to investigate the impact of climate change on the phenology of herbaceous plant species. PhenObs aims to better understand phenological responses of herbaceous species to abiotic and biotic environmental cues. In addition, we study whether and how phenological shifts can be predicted based on the natural distribution, climatic requirements, phylogeny and functional traits of a species. Botanical gardens are predestined for phenological research. A wide variety of plant species from the most diverse habitats are available in a small area and can be monitored by well-trained staff. The PhenObs concept is easy to implement for botanical gardens and offers great advantages for gardens by operating in a large, international network. Relatively little effort of each individual garden provides a valuable contribution to all project partners and beyond. The data generated by PhenObs are the basis for student theses, can be the basis for raising funds for the establishment of new projects and enable scientific publications. Plants that are included in PhenObs may not be involved in other scientific efforts. Their inclusion contributes to our understanding of unknown aspects of their biology, raises their scientific value, and expands the number of species of scientific importance for each garden. Currently, phenological data of over 300 herbaceous species are collected once a week in over 20 botanical gardens using the PhenObs protocol. The PhenObs web interface has been available for this purpose since 2022. In addition, plant characteristics and air and soil temperature as well as soil moisture are documented in all participating gardens. The data is freely available on the basis of an existing data policy and its usage is expressly encouraged. PhenObs is now in its third funding phase, in which data collection and research are to be extended to the southern hemisphere; herbaria are also to be more closely involved in phenological research.

ABSTRACT. Are we prepared to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises? To understand biodiversity, or the loss of biodiversity, it is essential to also know the building blocks of biodiversity – species! There has never been a time when species knowledge has been more important than now. At the same time, taxonomists are "redlisted" and thus, the number of specialists to teach species knowledge are rapidly declining.

With background in the analyses from the EU project TETTRIs, where university courses in taxonomy were mapped, we want to discuss the role of botanic garden expertise in education. Studies, primarily from the zoological collections, have shown that natural history museums hold the most species experts, and thus the persons most suited to teach taxonomic course tend to be employees at institutions with natural history collections. The same trend is expected for the botanical community. How can we as a botanic garden community be pro-active and form opinion? In the long run, this issue could lead to a future lack of experts at botanic gardens.

ABSTRACT. All over the globe, we are faced with the shrinking of natural habitat types and the expansion of urban areas. Despite the fact that green areas are sometimes still not given enough emphasis in urban planning, there has been more and more talk recently about the so-called green infrastructure. Given that climate change is becoming more pronounced and the population is aging, any urban areas without greenery can represent heat islands. On the one hand, green infrastructure mitigates climate change, as it e.g. lowers the temperature of cities, represents a water sink and improves the air, and on the other hand, represents green transitions between nature on one side and the other of urban areas. It can also represent alternative habitats for autochtonous plant and animal species. Botanical gardens, as institutions with knowledge about plant species, their ecology and their protection, can therefore offer excellent support in planning green infrastructure in urban areas. The Botanical Garden of the University of Ljubljana is currently participating in three major and several minor green infrastructure planning projects. Major projects include green infrastructure in the capital Ljubljana, the city of Celje in eastern Slovenia and the area of the largest shopping mall in Slovenia. In the city of Ljubljana, we participate in the planning of tree-lined avenues of the main streets of the city center, in the planning of ‘’pocket parks’’ and in advising on the management of green areas in accordance with the conservation of plant biodiversity. We also planted 56 roofs of bus shelters, where protected and endemic Slovenian plant species are also experimentally planted, as an example of ex-situ plant conservation in urban areas. In the shopping center, which represents a hot spot of the city, we participate in the comprehensive renovation of green infrastructure by introducing autochtonous plant species into green surfaces, planting new trees in parking lots and along the streets, and by greening the facades of warehouse, business buildings and shopping malls.

ABSTRACT. Since 2014, mini-forests have been planted and promoted in urban areas across Europe. Their concept, is often based on methods developed by Akira Miyawaki (1928–2021). High-density plantings of young trees and shrubs on small plots are intended to develop into self-sustaining forests that host high biodiversity and positively influence the microclimate. When confronted with the concept four years ago, the question arose whether the desired effects actually occur. Scientifically robust data on mini-forests in urban areas of Europe are rare, partially due to their young nature. Another question was which tree species are best suited to the future climate in urban areas and could meet ecological and microclimatic expectations. The upcoming hype for mini-forests in cities carries the risk that they may compete with other significant biodiverse urban sites such as ruderal sites, that are undervalued by authorities. In response, we launched the URMINI (Urbane Miniwälder) project in 2024, funded by the research platform DaFNE of the Ministry BMLUK (Database for Research on Sustainable Development of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management). The objectives include testing concepts and wooden species for urban sites in Eastern Austria, developing practical evidence-based guidelines, and generating scientifically sound data on biodiversity, impact and resilience of such plantings. The project aims to establish fast developing, robust woody ecosystems with an autonomous succession. Trees selected for their higher tolerance to heat and drought were planted one plant per square meter on ca. 370 – 530 m2 plots in three different cities. The plantings are inspired by forestry: woody plants are planted very young, bare-rooted, in mixed stands and at high density, using seed derived materials from different provenances. The project includes comprehensive monitoring of plant growth and survival, along with assessments of their effect on biodiversity (wild bees and ground beetles) and microclimate, as well as evaluation of carbon sequestration potential. The plantings are designed to be aesthetically appealing to the public. Communication and the responses of the community and political actors are also documented. Examples of the methods, design, and structure of URMINI forests from the project will be presented, along with first results.

ABSTRACT. Botanical gardens play a crucial role in urban life, influencing dynamics of city metabolism, food policies, biodiversity conservation, and cultural growth. In Bergamo, the Botanical Garden is increasingly involved in initiatives addressing food security, urban food policies, green infrastructure enhancement, and environmental awareness. Various experiences have highlighted key factors driving this progress: the ability to build strong networks, the energy generated by EU projects, the effectiveness of education, and a focus on environmental impacts and emerging ecological challenges. Notable examples include: • Differentiated Mowing Practices: Thanks to the EU project Beepathnet – Reloaded, the municipality has adopted differentiated mowing in urban meadows. This practice has raised awareness among municipal authorities and citizens about the importance of pollinators and green infrastructure. Over 4 years, the area with reduced mowing has expanded from zero to 13 hectares, also prompting a shift in mosquito control strategies—favoring larvicidal treatments and prevention over adulticides. • Creation of an Apicultural area: By collaborating with institutions and associations, the Botanical Garden has created a new exhibition area "City, Bees, Plants, and People," serving as an educational and demonstrative tool to showcase coevolution and ecosystem services, engaging citizens, flowers, and pollinators. • Commitment to Urban Food Policies: Since 2015, the "Valley of Biodiversity", new section focused on agro-biodiversity has encouraged reflection on food and biodiversity. In the past 3 years, the Botanical Garden has contributed to introducing green menus in primary school canteens through the EU Food Trails project. Its work on protein transition and the promotion of legumes (as part of the EU INCREASE project) aims to develop a local supply chain, starting with local farmers. • Promotion of Urban Organic Horticulture: The Botanical Garden has become a community educator in urban organic horticulture, organizing 25 online workshops since 2020 and in-person sessions in various neighborhoods starting in 2024. This effort has fostered a network of collective gardens throughout Bergamo, currently comprising 8 significant initiatives. In summary, botanical gardens not only improve urban green spaces and food policies but also act as catalysts for community engagement and environmental education, paving the way for sustainable urban development.

ABSTRACT. Both managed and spontaneous urban green spaces provide a wide range of ecosystem services, including mitigation of the urban heat island effect, reduction of air and noise pollution, and the provision of habitats for diverse species. Importantly, green infrastructure supports recreational activities and may play a key role in promoting public health. While several studies have reported associations between residential greenness and improved mental health outcomes, the evidence remains inconsistent or geographically limited. This study aims to investigate the relationship between residential exposure to urban green areas and forests and psychological well-being in a large cohort of over 1,600 adult twins (mean age: 40 years; age range: 18–80 years; 64% female; 53% monozygotic) from the population-based Italian Twin Registry. Exposure to green areas and forests was assessed using the high-resolution Copernicus Urban Atlas Land Cover/Land Use 2018 dataset, which provides harmonised and spatially explicit land cover data for European Functional Urban Areas. Psychological wellbeing was measured using the Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale and the Diener’s Satisfaction with Life Scale. Preliminary multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and within-pair clustering, showed that medium-to-high exposure to green areas—particularly forests—was significantly associated with higher wellbeing scores on both scales. Exposure assessment in additional twin participants is ongoing, with plans to complement the current analyses using optimally-matched case-cotwin control model applied to exposure-discordant twin pairs. By combining satellite-derived urban land cover data with robust psychometric assessment, this study offers novel evidence on the mental health relevance of urban green infrastructure. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how urban green spaces and forests promote individual wellbeing, potentially reinforcing nature-based strategies for health, equity, and environmental sustainability in urban planning.

ABSTRACT. The Eco-Pedagogical Microforest Project was born from a Third Mission proposal by Sapienza University aimed at the creation of an Eco-pedagogical Microforest and has involved in 4 years a growing number of students (14) belonging to different disciplinary fields: architects and engineers, entomologists, biologists, philosophers, statisticians, psychologists. The contribution illustrates the evolution of the eco-pedagogical methodology towards an innovative didactive process and reflects on the added value that falls within the frame of the principles of the 2030 Agenda. The project reimagines urban forestry at a local scale, embedding it within a broader strategy for urban rewilding, social inclusion and cultural promotion. It empowers children and young people through the active involvement of school communities, high school students, and university students, while also engaging thematic experts and public authorities. The Microforest was recognized in 2024 as the flagship initiative of Rome’s Urban Regeneration Program for the 15-Minute City, incorporating a social, pedagogical, and ecological project into its formal urban planning framework. Ultimately, the Microforest has become a living laboratory for biodiversity research, a tool for place-making, and a platform for youth engagement. The innovative approach concerns an "extra-curricular" training focused on the growth of awareness and connection of nature of young students and the acquisition of "soft skills". At the center of the training path is the empowerment of the kids, the assignment of tasks to be developed independently through collegial checks, "learning by doing", the creation of a "self-regulated" community of young people both with regard to the distribution of activities and the distribution of resources made available by the project. Particularly University students learn to design a microforest, to monitor the environmental and social results, to develop care activities (weeding, watering...) to prepare and carry out experimental activities for school children, to develop graphic projects to disseminate their ideas, to make videos and interviews, marketing activities, to foster active public participation and promote environmental awareness, to present the project in public (events and conferences) and to organize events (minimum 20 maximum 350 participants). The result is enabling young generations to be the protagonists of a sustainable future for our cities.

ABSTRACT. Urban trees are essential for climate regulation, biodiversity and people's well-being, especially in southern European cities like Lisbon, which are increasingly exposed to extreme weather events. This study investigates the vulnerability of tree species in 63 historic parks and gardens in Lisbon, including three botanical gardens, to different future climate scenarios. Based on tree inventories (19,579 individuals belonging to 318 taxa) and their biogeographical classification, and using the Climate Assessment Tool (CAT) developed by Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI), we assessed vulnerability of species to climate, under the current conditions and projected scenarios for Lisbon in 2050 and 2090. In the studied historic parks and gardens, taxa from the Palaearctic region, many of which native from Portugal, are predominant. Alarmingly, more than 50% of these species were classified as highly vulnerable to projected climate conditions, rising to 77% in the most pessimistic scenarios. Among the native species most at risk are Celtis australis subsp. australis, Ceratonia siliqua, Myrica faya and Olea europaea. In contrast, 56% of neotropical species, such as Jacaranda mimosifolia, are expected to maintain or even improve their performance in the face of severe scenarios. The results suggest the need to review and evaluate alternative planting strategies, particularly with regard to the continued use of vulnerable species in public green spaces. The findings provide a basis for adaptive urban forestry planning, which favours species that are more resilient to the future climate, without neglecting the ecological and cultural value of historic collections. This knowledge is essential for safeguarding the ecological integrity and landscape identity of Lisbon's green infrastructure in the face of rapid climate change.

ABSTRACT. We need rational hope, a clear vision, and strong partnerships, driving a desire to make strategic, successful conservation a global movement. Reverse the Red is an international coalition igniting strategic cooperation and accelerating species recovery for threatened species, to deliver on the Global Biodiversity Framework Goal A and Target 4. We know that conservation action works, and we have the knowledge and tools to save species. But, · there is not enough strategic alignment between governments and civil society partners; · actions are not always driven by clear recovery-focused goals, strategies, and metrics; · and we collectively are lacking in the hope and belief that we can recover threatened species at scale and pace Working at global, national, and local or species levels, Reverse the Red’s network of partners span sectors with botanic gardens, zoos, aquariums, researchers, academic institutions, governments, organisations, and more all providing critical support to achieving biodiversity goals. Reverse the Red has an opportunity to promote hope and optimism in conservation, showcasing successful efforts, that further conservation efforts around the world as we aim to meet Global Biodiversity Framework targets, and accelerating the uptake of tools, strategies, and knowledge products to make these efforts even more impactful. There is also an importance to partners of all kinds to tell stories of success, driving immediate next steps and through adaptive learning and inspiring strategic action. Through this presentation, participants and attendees will come away with: · Reasons to make a Species Pledge · Examples of strategic action for species recovery · An understanding of the importance of aligning species work with national targets · An idea of how to further engage their organisation in Reverse the Red No matter what type of organisation or where your expertise lies, species conservation takes all partners. We have the knowledge and tools, and we know that conservation action works. By scaling up our actions and aligning strategies, we can have a future where species everywhere are thriving. Together, we can reverse the red.

ABSTRACT. The Bonn Challenge is a global goal to bring 350 million hectares of degraded and deforested landscapes into restoration by 2030. African countries have made very ambitious restoration pledges, but progress has been slow, particularly with regard to the use of native tree species (NTS). This is due to several constraints: lack of focused national NTS policies and gaps between policies and implementation; inadequate incentives for planting NTS; no information on which species to plant where; poor knowledge about the usefulness of NTS; poor knowledge and practice in NTS seed/seedling storage, handling, propagation, planting and management. These constraints result in NTS seed and seedlings being either unavailable or expensive to buy and propagate. The Global Tree Assessment (GTA) has now assessed 86% of the world’s 58,500 tree species, involving >500 experts worldwide, and we now know that 38% of tree species are threatened with extinction. For the first time checklists of native, endemic and threatened tree species for every country in the world are available. The GTA has generated immense new NTS data, enabling us to develop planning tools for NTS planting and management, including seed zone and seed source maps, potential vegetation (what to plant where) maps, tree trait data, climate resilience information. The session will present projects that use proven approaches for tree planting planning and practice, combine with comprehensive new information for NTS previously unavailable. During the session we will present a trial web-based hub developed for Tanzania: a platform that can serve as a source of knowledge, tools and resources on effective restoration of Tanzania’s NTS, facilitating availability of NTS seeds and seedlings, the sharing of best practices and collaboration among different stakeholders. We will also introduce the potential expansion for other East African countries and beyond.

ABSTRACT. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are one of the essential strategies to support the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation and the Global Biodiversity Framework. NbS have a multifunctional approach, simultaneously providing economic, environmental, human well-being, and at their core, biodiversity benefits. Thus, their multifunctionality, together with evidence-based adaptive management, guarantee that problem solving through NbS brings benefits in the long term, in a holistic perspective, supporting transformative change. Over the last decade, the European Union and the Member States have made significant efforts to fund research and implementation projects related to NbS, such as dedicated Horizon Programmes and flagship within the European Partnership on biodiversity, Biodiversa(+). At the present stage, to avoid knowledge dispersion while capitalizing on experiences, networking is key, as demonstrated by the success of the NetworkNature project, which aim to create a harmonized NbS definition and evaluation framework, also including stakeholders’ collaborative experiences on specific topics (i.e., the Taskforces), or focused on regional and national context (i.e., the NbS Hubs). The National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) participated in this capitalization process by three main actions: 1) supporting excellent, collaborative research among the Italian institutions involved in restoration ecology across urban, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, also including the impact assessment of restoration strategies in open air labs including NbS approaches; 2) facilitating the knowledge uptake through the biodiversity gateway, which includes, among the rest, an ecosystem function data repository, a Decision Support System for the implementation of NbS focusing on the national territory (the NbS CataTool), and tools for ecosystem service driven plant species selection; 3) building the NbS community, by supporting the Network Nature NbS Italy Hub.

ABSTRACT. The Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM), developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is the official platform for tracking global progress and disseminating good practices under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It facilitates the registration of restoration initiatives and good practices while supporting countries in monitoring and reporting areas under restoration for Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). A key innovation of FERM is its interoperability framework, which enables integration with other databases and platforms collecting restoration data. By harmonizing data across systems, FERM helps streamline reporting for Target 2 and generates a default dataset on ecosystem restoration. This approach enhances transparency, reduces duplication, supports scientific research, and improves the consistency of long-term restoration monitoring. Interoperability ensures that platforms and databases use a common language, enabling efficient data exchange and more accurate tracking of global restoration efforts. FERM’s architecture is designed to connect with restoration monitoring sources at various levels, enhancing coordination across national, regional, and global systems. At the global level, FERM collaborates with SDG custodians and Rio Conventions such as UNCCD, Ramsar, and FRA, identifying restoration-related data already being collected and facilitating its use in ecosystem restoration monitoring. A notable partnership with UNCCD promotes the use of satellite remote sensing to assess land degradation and restoration trends as reported by countries. At regional and national levels, FERM works with initiatives like AFR100, Initiative 20x20, and the Great Green Wall, as well as pilot countries, to align their reporting efforts with Target 2. These collaborations help identify synergies between regional programs and global restoration targets. FERM provides multiple options for disaggregating restoration data, by ecosystem type, by Protected Areas, by Indigenous and Traditional Territories, and by type of restoration activity. In addition, it aims to create a global restoration map to visualize project areas and associated good practices. By making restoration data publicly accessible, FERM significantly enhances opportunities for scientific research and long-term monitoring using geospatial and remote sensing tools.

ABSTRACT. How to acquire technical skills necessary to manage a botanical garden? In the Global South, the answer is not always self-evident and so this became a priority for the Sud Expert Plantes Développement Durable program (2015-2021), which provided financial support for herbaria and botanical gardens in francophone countries of the Global South. This multilateral program supported twenty-two countries in West and Central Africa, the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia. A requirement that emerged was for training activities, experience-sharing sessions, or ‘field schools’. An online training course has been created for botanical garden managers, horticulturists, botanical gardeners, botanists, and educators. This course was developed by the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) (Paris) and Jardins botaniques de France et des pays francophones, with support from BGCI and Chateaufarine. They all contributed to the mobilization of professional experts/scientific referees to define content and ensure its quality. The course is based on the BGCI “Manual of botanic gardens - from idea to realisation”. It includes five modules: (1) the creation of a botanical garden and the development of a strategic framework and collections policy; (2) research, conservation, education, outreach and the social role of botanical gardens; (3) the international political context and the importance of networks; (4) the importance of taxonomy, data management tools and record systems and best practices for the management of collections. (5) the realisation of a video project capturing the essence of the lessons learnt. The seven-week training course alternates content, activities and short videos illustrating the multiplicity of approaches in the North and in the South. Since its inception in 2021, the online training course has been offered free of charge to over 45 botanic garden professionals in the Global South. Today, it is available on MNHN’s teaching platform. With the recent developments in the international biodiversity conservation strategic frameworks, the updating of the different modules has become essential. The GSPC serves as a common thread, and since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2023 and the GSPC voluntary complementary actions in 2024, further refinements in the course curriculum will be required to bring it fully in line with these newly refined international targets and priorities.

ABSTRACT. As botanic gardens one of our goals is to encourage interest in botany and species knowledge. In Sweden, as in many other countries, species knowledge is in decline. There are fewer specialists to teach the next generation and to update floras and keys. We need to use every tool we have to help turn this trend around! This means engaging the general public as well as students at all levels. When people have a better understanding of their surroundings and can create a sense of place in nature it is easier to start exploring, understanding and valuing biodiversity. Citizen science projects can help bridge the gap between the general public and the scientific community.

Species identification apps are powerful tools for citizen science activities, such as bioblitzes. Not only will people get a proposed species name for their observation, for some apps like iNaturalist, they will also contribute data that can be used in research. When experts identify the observations, a direct link between the scientific community and the public is created. We will show examples from two bioblitzes, one focusing on outreach and public engagement, and one focusing on broad data collection and number of taxa found. Both bioblitzes were done in collaboration with other natural science institutions to cover as much expertise as possible.

Another area where these tools are useful is in the floristics course at the university, where species identification applications can be used for making inventory data accessible to the scientific community. In the curriculum for the floristics course, a basic understanding of species inventory is mandatory. For learning both established and modern inventory techniques, students have to make both a herbarium collection and an iNaturalist project to collect data. In the iNat project they are taught how to identify the characters needed to be included in the photographs for both a good identification by AI, the scientific community and their peers. The students are encouraged to identify observations made by others to use their knowledge and expand their understanding of what is needed to make a good identification from a photo.

We will present the benefits and challenges of these approaches and hope to inspire a discussion on how we can continue to engage the general public and future biologists in species knowledge, and show policy makers how this knowledge is crucial to the urgent need of mapping and preserving biodiversity.

ABSTRACT. The current environmental and biodiversity crisis is strongly linked to modern human lifestyles; addressing it requires a fundamental change in our values and behaviors, to which education can contribute (IPBES, 2019, 2025). Improving plant awareness is an important educational challenge today, as plant conservation suffers from plant blindness although plants are critical for all life on Earth. Botanic gardens, as 'powerhouses' of biodiversity (Westwood et al., 2020), can help promote plant education. They act around the world as open-air museums, offering both unique 'living collections' of plant life and ethnobotanical collections. Education is one of their core objectives, alongside conservation and research. However, this mission faces historical challenges: (a) education is often under-resourced; (b) visitors may not primarily view these gardens as educational spaces, but rather as recreational ones; (c) their educational role is under-researched: the diverse ways in which botanic gardens facilitate education and engage visitors with their collections are not yet well understood; (d) the limited research so far tends to focus on a "narrow" perspective of education in Botanic Gardens, studying specific educational activities. This presentation will first provide an expanded view of education in botanic gardens, demonstrating how various professionals (including gardeners, directors and educators) contribute directly and indirectly to education by interacting with plants and visitors and by selecting and displaying plants in specific ways. Based on preliminary interviews conducted at the Botanic Garden in Neuchâtel (Switzerland), we show how different professionals conceptualize and perform educational activities, and how the sociomaterial design of the garden, as well as plant displays and diverse mediations, contribute to interspecies encounters and environmental education. We will then introduce our ongoing worldwide survey, Botanic Garden Education (BGE 2025) survey, run by BGCI, the University of Gothenburg and the University of Neuchâtel. This survey aims at providing a comprehensive overview of contemporary educational practices, resources and challenges in Botanic Gardens. It updates a previous survey ago (Kneebone & Willison, 2007) and provides robust indicators and policy-relevant analyses derived from international data collected on gardens’ conditions for learning and public engagement.

ABSTRACT. The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano, Italy, offer an immersive learning environment where visitors experience the diversity of wild, useful and ornamental plants in context. The 12-hectare garden unfolds as a natural amphitheatre across 100 metres of elevation, with the historic castle at its centre. Since 2001, it has welcomed visitors from over 60 countries. With 400,000 annual visitors, Trauttmansdorff reaches a wide audience – from schools and families to garden lovers and tourists. All communication is trilingual (German, Italian, English), reflecting South Tyrol’s multilingual context. In over 80 stylized gardens – including recreated natural and cultural landscapes, themed gardens and collections – beauty, knowledge and ecology form a holistic narrative.

As an extracurricular learning site, Trauttmansdorff combines botany with emotional experience. Visitors embark on a “botanical expedition” through native, Mediterranean and exotic landscapes – from Fern Valley and the Forbidden Garden to the Adventure Bridge into the Riparian Forest. Interpretation is multisensory – via text, design, scent and interaction, often developed with artists. Artist pavilions explore plant themes creatively. Programmes serve schools, families and individuals; one example is the educational action “Biodiversity of Pollinators”. Young people contribute through internships and school projects.

Indoor exhibitions follow a two-level concept: one presents botanical foundations, the other shows uses – via products and multimedia, in artistic and interactive ways. Some extend outdoors. This approach creates aha-moments and shows the relevance of plants – while usage examples redirect curiosity toward botany.

Studies on pollinators, birds and roots were conducted on-site and turned into public formats – with installations and sculptures enriching the garden. At event days, science becomes accessible – e.g. at the “Botanical Microcosm” where visitors explore plant tissue under the microscope.

In line with the Italian PAN, Trauttmansdorff has avoided synthetic pesticides since 2018, relying instead on plant fortification and soil revitalization. This shift is not only explained to visitors but also experienced – through the smell of some of the applied substances.

This presentation shares insights from 25 years of outreach at the intersection of botany, emotion and engagement – and explores how gardens can inspire in times of climate and biodiversity crises.

ABSTRACT. In an era marked by climate emergency and environmental imperative, botanic gardens should transcend their traditional role as custodians of biodiversity and instead become vibrant schools of ecological revitalization. Here, this paper proposes an interconnected pedagogic model for using botanic gardens as spaces of change, encouraging scientific knowledge but also affective and ethical engagement with nature. The approach draws on educational psychology, environmental ethics, and mathematical ecology to make connections between place-based learning, multiple intelligences, and restorative practice. It shows how restoration can be a teaching pedagogy that builds responsibility, emotional literacy, and systemic thinking. Mathematics teaching holds a central position in this vision: students use biodiversity indices, Fibonacci sequences of floral morphology, and graph theory in modeling ecological interactions while simultaneously participating in aesthetic and cognitive experience with natural form. The garden is thus made a field of mathematical imagination and care. By way of a rich case study of the Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia (Greece), the article presents interdisciplinary learning experiences in which children, adults, and neurodiverse learners are engaged in ecosystem recovery processes. From sensory walks and storytelling to ecological modeling and restorative planting, the garden operates as a site where knowledge is embodied, values are cultivated, and hope is restored. Botanic gardens, we contend, can be "pedagogical sanctuaries" for climate learning – places where science, ethics, and imagination intersect. The presentation finishes with policy and curriculum recommendations to integrate ecological restoration education through botanical networks.

ABSTRACT. The ‘stinzen plants’ are a group of spring flowering species, mostly bulbs, that have a special cultural and botanical significance in the Netherlands. They were introduced in the past in the gardens of castles, estates and country houses and became naturalized in the course of time. Today they grow wild in these historical gardens announcing the arrival of spring. Well-known stinzen plants are, for example, Tulipa sylvestris (Bostulp), Galanthus nivalis (Gewoon sneeuwklokje), Crocus vernus (Bonte krokus), Ornithogalum nutans (Knikkende vogelmelk), Corydalis cava (holwortel) and Eranthis hyemalis (winterakoniet). The name ‘stinzen plants’ comes from the Frisian word ‘stins’, referring to a traditional type of fortified house from the province of Friesland in the north of the Netherlands, where the stinzen plant culture is most prominent. At the Utrecht University Botanic Gardens we have since 1986 the “stinzenhelling” (spring hill), where stinzen plants from historical Dutch gardens were planted in a natural form to resemble the “stinzen” environment. The stinzenhelling is used to inform the public and to educate university students about the stinzen plants’ cultural and botanical heritage, their morphology and ecology. Among all stinzen plants, Tulipa sylvestris stands out. Also known as the queen of the stinzen plants, T. sylvestris is the only tulip species that grows wild in the Netherlands. It was introduced in the 16th century from the Mediterranean region and became widely naturalized in the Netherlands and Northern Europe. In collaboration with Wageningen University & Research and Naturalis Biodiversity Center, we carry out scientific research, using historical botanical sources and DNA techniques, to assess where these naturalized tulips in historical Dutch gardens came from. In collaboration with the Department of Biology of Utrecht University, we also build up a collection of Galanthus spp. to be used for research on their provenance, phenotypic variation and response to climate change.

ABSTRACT. This interactive workshop introduces the newly established Global Conservation Consortium for Food Plants (GCC-FP), coordinated by the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) and the most recent addition to BGCI's growing group of GCCs. The GCC-FP aims to enhance the complementary roles of botanic gardens and agricultural genebanks in conserving and sharing plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Participants will first be introduced to the Global Conservation Consortia model by BGCI, followed by a presentation outlining the GCC-FP’s scope and preliminary findings from a comparative analysis of food plant holdings in botanic gardens and genebanks. The session will then open up for discussion and invite European gardens that already maintain or are interested in developing food plant conservation activities to contribute ideas and to explore how they might contribute to the GCC-FP. A participatory segment will collect input on the kinds of support and collaboration activities that would be most useful for institutions working in this space. We also hope that representatives from other Global Conservation Consortia (GCCs) will be able to join the workshop to share their experiences, offer practical guidance, and help inform the development of the GCC-FP based on lessons learned across the broader GCC network. The workshop is designed for professionals from botanic gardens and related conservation organizations who are interested in advancing the long-term conservation and sustainable use of food plant diversity. It aims to build awareness, connect potential partners, and help shape the future direction of GCC-FP activities in Europe.

ABSTRACT. The International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN) is a collaborative initiative that utilizes living collections in botanic gardens (BGs) and arboreta as sentinel plants to detect and monitor emerging plant pests and diseases. By observing non-native plant species outside their natural range, IPSN provides an effective early warning system for the identification of invasive alien species (IAS) and novel pathogens, supporting rapid response and mitigation efforts. This approach directly contributes to the implementation of international biodiversity frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.8, all of which emphasize the importance of IAS control and monitoring for plant conservation. IPSN strengthens biosecurity by promoting best practices, such as standardized surveillance protocols, diagnostic training, and the use different tools to assess and manage phytosanitary risks associated with plant movement (e.g. pathway risk analysis). The network fosters data sharing and collaboration among BGs, research institutions, and National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), enhancing capacity for pest/disease detection and policy development. Case studies demonstrate the value of sentinel plants in identifying emerging threats, identifying new host/organism interactions, and advancing management strategies. By integrating scientific expertise, policy feedback and practical tools, IPSN advances global efforts to safeguard plant diversity and ecosystem health.

ABSTRACT. Five years after the first detection in Italy of the ambrosia beetle Euwallacea fornicatus s.l. at the Gardens of Castel Trauttmansdorff, the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Sciences and Technologies of the University of Florence (DAGRI), in collaboration with the Botanical Garden of the University Museum System, has launched a project to investigate the potential presence of exotic tropical beetles of the Euwallacea spp. complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) within the Botanical Garden’s facilities. These beetles have already been reported in tropical greenhouses of several botanical gardens across Europe. Euwallacea fornicatus s.l., native to Southeast Asia, is known for its high damaging potential due to its symbiotic association with Fusarium wilt fungal pathogens (Fusarium / Neocosmospora spp.), and has caused extensive damage to crop trees in tropical and Mediterranean climate regions. The monitoring program is being carried out by faculty and researchers from DAGRI. The Botanical Garden has agreed to host, over a two-year period, a series of adhesive traps (A5 format) baited with the specific attractant Quercivorol, to be placed inside greenhouses. Each trap is accompanied by an informational sign describing the monitoring activity. The traps are inspected regularly throughout the year, with the attractant replaced every two months. Continuous surveillance will allow for prompt intervention should the presence of these beetles be confirmed in the greenhouses. This report presents the results from the first months of monitoring. DAGRI has expressed interest in extending the monitoring effort to other botanical gardens throughout Italy, with the aim of obtaining a comprehensive overview of the potential spread of this alien species at the national level. Such information would support the implementation of Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) measures, should the beetle be detected.

ABSTRACT. Since the 1990s, numerous research projects have demonstrated that widespread declines and mortalities of alder, beech, chestnut, oak and other forests across Europe are primarily caused by introduced pathogens of the oomycete genus Phytophthora destroying root systems, infecting stem bark and interacting with climatic extremes, in particular droughts and unseasonal floodings. Europe-wide surveys of ca 2,500 nursery stands and 2,500 planting sites have revealed almost ubiquitous infestations involving more than 120 mostly exotic Phytophthora species. It is estimated that in Europe between 1990 and 2010 invasive Phytophthora pathogens were spread via out-planting activities to more than 20 million hectares of forests. Due to the use of symptom-suppressing fungicides Phytophthora-infected nursery plants often appear visually healthy. Since (i) European plant biosecurity is based on visual inspections of plants for disease symptoms caused by listed pests, and (ii) phytosanitary conditions for the production of nursery plants are largely unspecified, large-scale restoration of terrestrial and wetland ecosystems involving the planting of nursery-grown plants will inevitably lead to accidental introductions of invasive and often highly aggressive Phytophthora and other pathogens to most restoration sites, causing further decline and dieback of sensitive ecosystems and the spread of the pathogens over vast areas. Similar environmental impacts are reported from heathland restorations in California. The EU Nature Restoration Regulation and silvicultural programs aim at increasing biodiversity and the climatic resilience of future ecosystems. To avoid these being a phytosanitary disaster, efficient EU regulations for the pathogen-free production of nursery plants, similar to Australian, Californian and UK nursery accreditation schemes are urgently required. These should include: (i) the use of accredited, pathogen-free plant material, non-contaminated substrates and filtered/treated irrigation water; (ii) raising containers and keeping them on well-drained surfaces; (iii) using sterile containers or trays; (iv) strict hygiene measures including removing plant debris, disinfecting tools, footwear, plant beds and capillary matting; v) training of all nursery staff; and (vi) regular inspections by phytosanitary services. The use of molecular high-throughput detection protocols should be implemented in all phytosanitary inspections (including EU plant passports).

ABSTRACT. Founded in 1867 as acclimatization gardens for exotic plants, the Hanbury Botanic Gardens are part of a regional protected area and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). In the past decade, 18 exotic arthropods species have been reported, posing threats to the historical botanical collections. Their establishment and proliferation have likely been favored by climate change, which enhances the adaptability and survival of non-native organisms in new environments. These species, belonging to different taxonomic orders, are, among insects Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, Scyphophorus acupunctatus, Xylosandrus compactus, X. germanus, X. crassiusculus, Dactylotrypes longicollis, Coccotrypes dactyliperda, Hypothenemus eruditus (Coleoptera); Aloephagus myersi, Aonidiella aurantii, Unaspis yanonensis, Ovaticoccus agavium (Hemiptera); Vespa velutina (Hymenoptera); Cydalima perspectalis, Paysandisia archon, Batrachedra enormis (Lepidoptera); Hercinothrips dimidiatus (Thysanoptera); and among mites Aceria aloinis (Trombidiformes). These species cause direct (physiological stress, plant death), aesthetic (discoloration, malformations), and indirect damages through the transmission of plant pathogens or interacting with reproductive cycle of the plants. The main objectives of pest management are the protection of the historical plant collections and the prevention of invasive species spread to nearby natural habitats. Among the most impactful pests are S. acupunctatus or the agave weevil, R. ferrugineus and P. archon, pests of palm trees, and Xylosandrus spp. ambrosia beetles, which are highly polyphagous of woody plants. Management strategies include biological treatments with entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana) and nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae), monitoring programs with traps and visual inspections, and—in the case of S. acupunctatus—planned research on the insect’s microbiome and metabolomic analyses on different host plants to investigate factors influencing plant susceptibility or resistance. Specific efforts for Xylosandrus species focus on understanding population dynamics and flight activity periods. Control of Hemiptera primarily relies on the release of natural antagonists, such as predators and parasitoids, within the garden ecosystem. The increasing presence of exotic insects requires a rethinking of botanical garden management, with higher costs for biological control, increased labor, and the need for continued entomological research.

ABSTRACT. Botanic gardens and arboreta are uniquely positioned to serve as early warning systems for emerging plant health threats. Their diverse ex situ plant collections, staff expertise, and susceptibility to new pest and disease introductions make them invaluable for surveillance and rapid response efforts. At the same time, their role as public-facing institutions allows them to bridge the gap between science, education, and society, making them crucial spaces for public engagement, raising awareness and promoting biosecurity.

The International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN) is a global collaborative initiative working with botanic gardens to enhance their capacity to monitor, detect and respond to emerging pests and pathogens. By working closely with its members and partners, the IPSN develops practical tools and resources to strengthen plant health monitoring while supporting the implementation of effective biosecurity practices. Key among these resources is a dedicated plant health monitoring tool designed to help botanic gardens assess sentinel plants for unusual symptoms, as well as visual materials—such as pest and pathogen posters—to support staff surveillance and public education about harmful organisms. IPSN resources, including sampling protocols for specific pests and diseases, are actively used to support surveillance projects undertaken by IPSN member organisations. In addition, the network promotes capacity building and professional development through online and in-person training, and fosters knowledge exchange between organisations, with a particular focus on empowering smaller gardens that may have limited resources.

Through its work, the IPSN helps equip botanic garden staff and volunteers with the tools and knowledge needed for effective biosecurity and early detection of plant health issues. In doing so, it not only contributes to strengthen global pest and pathogen surveillance but also reinforces the role of botanic gardens in plant biosecurity, public engagement and as key players promoting care and responsibility for biodiversity conservation.

ABSTRACT. The University of Padua Botanical Garden, founded in 1545 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, has undergone an unprecedented infrastructural and scientific renewal supported by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), under Investment 2.3 “Programs to enhance the identity of places: parks and historic gardens”. This initiative has transformed the Garden into a model for sustainable innovation, bridging historic legacy with cutting-edge conservation and public engagement. A major portion of the PNRR funding has been dedicated to restoring and upgrading key infrastructures, starting with the comprehensive renovation of several greenhouses dedicated to plants cultivation, including those dedicated to orchids, bromeliads, and aquatic plants. These interventions are aimed at improving cultivation conditions, reducing energy and water consumption, and ensuring safety and accessibility, including for visitors with disabilities. A new greenhouse is also being developed for quarantine and phytosanitary purposes, supporting the growing exchange of rare and endangered plant material. In addition, an existing building is being restructured to create a low-light greenhouse for sciaphilous species, enabling the expansion of collections such as ferns and tropical understory plants. The project also addresses sustainable water management, a priority in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The irrigation network has been redesigned with new weather-integrated control systems, salinity sensors, and flow meters to optimize water use across the historical garden quarters. A new drainage system has been installed in the ancient sections of the Garden, and the Alicorno canal near the main entrance has been restored. Additionally, the composting system has been upgraded to close the loop on green waste management. Biodiversity conservation remains at the heart of the initiative with also expansion of infrastructures dedicated to germplasm bank. All these infrastructural improvements provide the foundation for a broader scientific strategy involving ex situ conservation, cryopreservation, micropropagation, and genomic research, anchored by the newly established germplasm bank and linked to European-scale conservation networks, particularly in Alpine and Mediterranean contexts. Through this integrated approach, the Botanical Garden of Padua is redefining the role of historical gardens as active laboratories for sustainability, conservation, and public science in the 21st century.

ABSTRACT. The Unimore Botanical Garden is located in the center of Modena (Emilia Romagna Region, Italy). It has been founded in 1758 by Francesco III d’Este, which assigned a portion of Ducal Gardens to build a Botanic Garden, with the aim of showing curative plants to medical doctors. It became part of University of Modena in 1772, taking on many roles over time: garden for plant collection, acclimatation and propagation, museum for the collection of botanical findings, place of study and research of botanical sciences. It has recently undergone an extensive restoration and enhancement project. A first phase of the restoration project involved only some architectural structures, which had been damaged by the 2012 earthquake (fundings by the Emilia-Romagna Region and UNIMORE). In 2022 an important new restoration project has been carried out, thank to EU funding – Next GenerationEU: “Fondo Parchi e giardini storici”; PNRR-M1C3-2.3 “Programmi per valorizzare l’identità dei luoghi: parchi e giardini storici”. This project mainly regarded the restoration and valorisation of the garden, i.e. the historical parterre with the system of flowerbeds arranged in a radial pattern around the central fountain and the historical greenhouses. Furthermore, other key works consisted in digging a well for garden irrigation, the recovery and restoration of a small cave and the consolidation of the hill, where different shrubs and old trees grow. The restoration also involved the Historical Hall, designed in 19th century by the botanist Carlo Susan as a frigidarium, decorated with frescoes depicting famous botanists, for example the founder and first director of the Botanic Garden, Gaetano Rossi and Filippo Re, director from 1814 to 1817. All scientific collections, botanical findings and historical herbaria have been relocated to the new spaces and a lot of plants are planted in the parterre flowerbeds. The renewed Botanic Garden reopened on 29 of May 2025. It is open to the citizens, tourists and students with free and guided tours; UNIMORE Botanic Garden, after seven years of closure, is now ready to carry out all the peculiar activities of a Botanic Garden, scientific research, plant biodiversity conservation, plants exposition, naturalistic and environmental education, support to plant science teaching.

ABSTRACT. Arco Arboretum is an historical park dating back to 1872 when it was established as the park of the villa of Archduke Albrecht, Duke of Teschen (1817 - 1895), an Austrian Habsburg general, grandson of Emperor Leopold II. After retirement he moved to Arco at the northern end of Lake Garda, at the time part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and considered the Rivera of the Empire and the cradle of winter tourism (kurort), thanks to its mild climate. Around his new villa he developed a winter garden to please the winter tourist escaping from the cold Mitteleuropean winter, to get a glimpse of the mild mediterranean climate and vegetation. The archduke planted in is garden new and unusual evergreen trees and shrubs possibly winter flowering and originating mainly from the Mediterranean, South East Asia and North America. Champion trees include a coast redwood, Lawson and Mexican cypresses, a camphor tree, an Avocado tree, camellias, tea shrubs, citrus fruits, bamboos, myrtles, carob trees and strawberry trees, and various mediterranean conifers. Over the years many plants were lost or felled and after the wars a portion of the park was sold and only one fifth of the original extension remained. In the 1960ies and in the 1990ies two separate restoring and improvement projects were carried out mainly focusing on visitor infrastructure and interpretation. Thank to the Next generation EU scheme a new redevelopment significantly focused on the plants, improving species diversity threefold, bringing back species originally present but lost along the years and adding many new species with the same character, mainly winter flowering evergreen species from milder climates such as Metrosideros, Lagunaria, Schinus, etc.. Two new greenhouses were added with the same architectural style of the greenhouses originally attached to the sides of the villa and dedicated to fers and shade loving plants and to Canary islands plants.

Acknowledgements: This initiative was funded by the Next Generation EU funding scheme call PNRR cultura Bando M1C3 - Investimento 2.3 “Programmi per valorizzare l’identità dei luoghi: parchi e giardini storici”

ABSTRACT. The botanic garden of the University of Pavia, the most ancient botanic garden of Lombardy (NW-Italy), was founded in 1773. Born as a “garden of simples”, in the course of more than 250 years of history, it evolved as an institution devoted to the study of multiple aspects of the plant world, such as floristics, taxonomy, agronomy and phytopathology. After alternating periods of rise and decadence, the botanic garden entered a new historical phase when, in 2017, it was recognized as a museum of the University of Pavia. A new custodian-gardener and a new curator were hired to preserve and promote the garden’s botanical and historical heritage. Since then – and with a stronger impulse in 2023–25, thanks to a project funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) –, a considerable restoration of the collections, a renewal of buildings and facilities, and a major diversification of the fruition proposals, took place. After years of historical research, already existing collections, such as the Rose Garden, the Hydrangea Flowerbed, the Orchard, the aquatic and medicinal plants, were first taxonomically re-identified, enumerated and newly labelled, then integrated with new specimens. For conservation and didactic purposes, native species were preferred, along with ancient, local and hardy cultivars, in order to meet the requirements of both sustainable plant management and aesthetics. The same approach was followed for the constitution of the new collections, like the Forbidden Vineyard – comprising grapes immune to phylloxera and downy mildew –, a link between the agronomic past of the garden and the modern need of cultivars naturally resistant to pathogens. Sustainability guided also the renewal of facilities: for instance, fountains were provided with systems for water recirculation while the new irrigation system was designed to satisfy the specific requirements of the single collections. These actions improved the garden as a “green oasis” in a historic urban center, inhabited not only by plants but also by a diversified fauna, frequently studied by researchers, that became the subject of a new thematic itinerary dedicated to birds. Innovative itineraries, visitor devices, and original public events associated with botany (e.g., night tours, beverage tastings, meditation meetings, artistic exhibitions) are increasing and diversifying the public, encouraging nature observation, interpretation and awareness towards biodiversity conservation.

ABSTRACT. The Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo, covering an area of 10 hectares, is one of the most significant open-air botanical museums in Europe, housing over 6,000 plant species, many of which originate from tropical and subtropical regions. As part of the project for the “Restoration and Recovery of the Botanical Garden”, funded by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Measure 2, Investment 2.3: Programs to Enhance the Identity of Places: Historic Parks and Gardens, numerous interventions were carried out during the 2023–2024 period to conserve and enhance the institution’s historical and natural heritage. The actions focused on expanding the botanical collections, promoting water conservation, increasing energy efficiency, improving safety and accessibility, and optimizing the management of green waste. A particularly important aspect was the restoration of monumental trees, many of which date back to the Garden’s founding period. Around 250 specimens, including the remarkable individuals of Ficus macrophylla f. columnaris, underwent pruning interventions using both traditional and tree-climbing techniques, following stability assessments. Additionally, the restoration of the historical 18th-century pathways was completed, alongside the recovery of the eight ornamental basins of the Linnaean System and the pond dedicated to Mediterranean aquatic plants. These interventions were aimed at preserving the collections and reducing water loss. Of great importance was also the expansion of collections of succulent plants, Mediterranean scrub, and especially the Palmetum, which saw the introduction of taxa belonging to over 35 genera, making it one of the most representative palm collections in Europe. Further interventions involved the renovation of the historical irrigation system, including the restoration of surface water channels and the replacement of plastic pipes with traditional terracotta segments ("catusi"), in keeping with local tradition. The tropical greenhouse was also upgraded with the installation of low thermal transmittance glass, improving both safety and exhibition functionality. A composting system was installed, capable of processing over 100 tons of plant biomass per year from mowing and pruning activities. Additional works included resurfacing courtyards and walkways with permeable paving, restoring the Arab Well, upgrading the entrance facilities, and maintaining the water storage tank to avoid direct extraction from the wells. This integrated set of interventions has contributed significantly to the scientific and museological enhancement of the Botanical Garden, strengthening its educational, conservation, and sustainability roles.

ABSTRACT. Established in 1783, the Botanical Garden at the University of Parma is currently undergoing a significant transformation, reflecting a forward-looking approach to conserving its rich historical heritage while strengthening its role as a center for education, research, and community engagement. Started after a long period of oblivion and limited public access, the first phase of this extensive intervention, supported by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU fund under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), was completed in June 2025. It primarily addressed the restoration of the historic gate and fountains, the creation of new flower beds and pathways, the installation of a new irrigation system. The most relevant intervention is the creation of a specialized greenhouse, tailored for the needs of high-altitude cacti; here, a large collection will be used to educate the public about the effects of climate change and illegal trade on these species. A small rock garden and a dry garden were constructed alongside wet habitats, representing a range of native biodiversity. This initial phase underscores a key future direction for the Botanical Garden: serving as an “urban embassy” for local habitats and acting as a transcultural hub for any science dealing with plants. The intervention enhanced visitor experience through multimedia paths, tactile and visual elements, while employing modern arboricultural techniques to prolong the life of its historic trees. These initiatives aim to educate visitors to a new approach to urban wilderness and about the importance of naturalistic green space management within the city, focused on the role of water, grass cuttings, fallen leaves, and dead wood in supporting habitats. A second phase, started in June 2025, focuses on revitalizing the historical structures within the garden, including the 18th-century Greenhouses and the 19th-century School of Botany. The former will be restored to accommodate specialized plant collections and temporary exhibitions, while a new building will provide visitor services, a cafeteria, and a bookshop. The School of Botany will become an archive for herbaria and will host a botanical museum, including the unique Gardoni Herbarium, a rich repository of 19th-century medicinal plants and ethnobotanical knowledge. The project underscores a view of the Botanical Garden as a place not only for conserving plant diversity, but also for Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).

ABSTRACT. Historic green spaces, such as parks and urban gardens, play a fundamental role in the ecological, cultural, and social fabric of cities. Yet their conservation and management often lack effective tools for assessing sustainability performance, especially in complex, layered contexts where historical preservation, ecological function, and public use must coexist. The paper presents the conceptual framework and early development of a research initiative promoted by the City of Rome, the University of Arkansas Rome Program, the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas, and USGBC/GBCI, the global certifying bodies behind the Sustainable SITES Initiative. The project investigates the potential application of the SITES protocol to historic green areas in Italy, focusing on the need for performance-based tools that can support restoration, management, and funding decisions in line with international sustainability standards. Although the SITES protocol has seen growing international adoption, with over 400 participating projects across 25 countries, its application to historic landscapes remains limited, especially in the European context, where cultural heritage constraints require tailored approaches and interpretive flexibility. The protocol’s structure, built around soil health, biodiversity, water management, social benefits, and long-term maintenance, offers a promising but untested framework for historic gardens and parks that must comply with cultural heritage regulations. The research aims to analyze the compatibility between SITES® criteria and Italian legal, cultural, and administrative frameworks. A case study is being conducted on Villa Ada, one of Rome’s largest historic parks, currently undergoing restoration as part of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan — Interventi di recupero e riqualificazione del Parco di Villa Ada PNRR M1.C3 Investimento 2.3 CUP:J84J22000060006.The research includes interdisciplinary analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the development of preliminary guidelines that may lead to a localized SITES addendum for historic green heritage. By bridging environmental metrics with cultural landscape values, this initiative proposes a replicable model to guide future interventions in historic urban green spaces across Italy and Europe, fostering a regenerative approach rooted in transparency, accountability, and evidence-based design.

ABSTRACT. Botanic gardens are uniquely positioned to support the transformation toward more sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse cities. This workshop will explore their strategic contributions to delivering Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and enhancing urban green infrastructure, both essential tools to address the environmental and social challenges of urbanisation in the context of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. As cities face increasing pressures from climate change, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and biodiversity loss, botanical gardens bring crucial expertise in plant conservation, ecological restoration, environmental education, and community engagement. Leveraging their living collections, applied research, and partnerships with municipalities and civil society, they serve as innovation hubs for urban sustainability. This interactive session will invite participants to: • Share experiences and strategies for mainstreaming biodiversity in city planning through research, education, and public outreach. • Examine the potential of botanical gardens to co-design and implement NbS in urban areas. • Explore cross-sector collaborations to enhance ecosystem services and improve human well-being in urban settings. The workshop will provide a platform for dialogue and joint reflection on how botanical gardens can help shape greener, more inclusive, and biodiverse urban futures, aligned with global restoration goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

ABSTRACT. Both natural plant species and human-developed plant cultivars provide significant benefits. Since the dawn of agriculture, humans have selected and bred plants to improve yield, resistance, and adaptability. As new, more productive and resilient cultivars are developed, many older ones are forgotten. However, these older cultivars often carry valuable traits—resistance to drought, frost, and diseases—as well as unique sensory or aesthetic properties. The genes responsible for these traits are now crucial for developing new cultivars, especially under climate change. In Lithuania, plant genetic resource studies have a long tradition, but systematic and coordinated conservation began in 1994 with the launch of the National Programme for the Conservation and Research of Genetic Resources. Since 2004, Lithuania has also overseen the European Database for Ribes L. and Rubus L. species. To improve coordination, the Plant Gene Bank was established under the Ministry of Environment. Currently, five specialized centres, including Vilnius University Botanical Garden, are responsible for coordinating ex situ and in situ research and conservation of key plant genetic resources, especially those of Lithuanian origin. Plant breeding in Lithuania began over a century ago. Valuable cultivars of ornamental, agricultural, horticultural, medicinal, and aromatic plants, as well as selected forest trees, are preserved in field collections. Since 2002, the Coordination Centre for National Genetic Resources of Ornamental Plants has operated at Vilnius University Botanical Garden. Vilnius University Botanical Garden collections are vital living resources for research, conservation, and education. Since the Garden opened to the public in 2000, the development of formal exhibitions has accelerated. For more than two decades, Vilnius University Botanical Garden has contributed to the collection, evaluation, and conservation of plant genetic resources through living collections, in vitro conservation, and gene material storage. Currently, Vilnius University Botanical Garden conserves 554 accessions of ornamental, medicinal, agricultural, and other valuable plant genetic resources. Annually, exhibitions of new ornamental plant cultivars are held, and 10–15 new cultivars are added to the National List of Plant Genetic Resources. The Garden hosts over 10,000 plant species and welcomed more than 150,000 visitors in 2024.

ABSTRACT. The Alpine Garden of Campo Imperatore, located in the Gran Sasso massif at 2130m asl, plays an essential role in the conservation of high-altitude plant species, with special attention to endangered ones. The Gran Sasso massif, the highest mountain in the Central Apennines, was significantly shaped by the cold climatic phases of the Pleistocene, which greatly influenced its morphology and floristic composition comprising approximately 2400 plant taxa. The most valuable flora is undoubtedly associated with high-altitude environments, where glacial relic species persist including Androsace mathildae, Leontopodium nivale, Artemisia eriantha, among other endemic plants. The role of the Alpine Garden is complex as it encompasses various aspects such as plant conservation status assessment, propagation, plant production (engaging nurseries and producers), in situ and ex situ reintroduction, post-intervention monitoring, and its enhancement in the field of application. An example of such complexity is the multidisciplinary approaches conducted on A.eriantha. Morphological characterization carried out on multiple populations highlighted key phenotypic traits related to adaptation and growth. Genetic analysis revealed a significant intraspecific variability, offering insights into population structure and aiding the selection of genotypes for propagation. Propagation methods were optimized both in vivo and in vitro, emphasizing improving germination rates, shoot regeneration, and root development. The study also explored plant-microbe interactions within the rhizosphere, identifying beneficial microbial communities that can improve nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Strategies for in and ex situ reintroduction of Artemisia were evaluated, with preliminary trials showing promising establishment rates and ecological compatibility. Phytochemical analyses revealed a wide range of secondary metabolites, including terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, with potential applications in the liquor and pharmaceutical industries. In high-altitude ecosystems threatened by climate change, these integrated techniques are essential for determining the factors influencing species survival. The given example demonstrates how the Alpine Garden provides a wealth of research opportunities in addition to the cultivation and protection of altitude plants. Since 2024, the collections have been actively restored in partnership with the Rome Botanical Garden.

ABSTRACT. Meise Botanic Garden shows the importance of nature based landscape management for water, grasslands and forests. Although the garden is close to Brussels, more than a third of Belgium's native plant species occur spontaneously in the domain. Indigenous species form the basis of resilient ecosystems, as they are adapted to local conditions and have important interactions with local wildlife. By focusing on conservation, management and development of these species, the Garden contributes to strengthening ecological resilience and stemming further biodiversity loss.

Working on water management, we are redesigning our landscape in different ways:

Amelvonnesbeek, a watercourse that flows from west to east through the domain poses a potential risk of flooding in the central area of the Garden. We recreated, what was a straightened stream with steep bedding, to meander again. By extending, widening and slowing down the watercourse, water can better percolate to the surrounding area in times of drought. And the riverbed can hold up to 10 times more water in case of intense rainfall.

On the North side of our domain, a stream that enters the Botanic Garden near a former Presbytery garden, was completely brought underground in the 19th century. A part of the brook will be brought back above ground, creating a new meandering watercourse. This new route will bypass existing trees, allowing the stream to flow into the lower Orangery pond. Water will then overflow into an adjacent smaller pond via two historic follies, eventually reaching the larger stream mentioned before. An innovative design, incorporating natural pinch points and gentle landscaping, will enhance both the ecological value and beauty of the new waterway. By creating a naturalistic watercourse, the project will enhance wetland areas and support brook-dependent vegetation. The additional water buffering capacity will help manage flood risks downstream the valley, and integration with our pond systems will prevent the Orangery pond from drying out, strengthening the Garden’s ability to respond to drought and extreme rainfall events.

These initiatives align with wider efforts to create more space for water, directly contributing to climate resilient objectives of the European Blue Deal ‘Klimaatrobuuste Groene Noordrand’.

ABSTRACT. The plant heritage of historic gardens is threatened by both biotic and abiotic factors. These stresses lead to tree stability issues, affecting visitor safety and jeopardizing the preservation of plant collections. This study was performed to evaluate the conditions of a veteran tree (Quercus virginiana) planted in 1829 in the Botanic Garden of the University of Pisa (Italy). Innovative instrumentation, not yet applied in the context of botanic gardens, was employed to conduct the study. The examined tree has a trunk circumference of 4.5 m measured at breast height and reaches a total height of 23 m. Two branches emerge from the main trunk at 4 m above ground. Cavities were observed in several portions of branches and boughs. At the tree’s base a basidiomycete fruiting body was detected. Molecular characterization by end-point PCR amplification of the Internal Transcribed Spacer region using DNA extracted from the fruiting body and tree wood cores led to the identification of Pseudoinonotus dryadeus, a causal agent of white rot. BLASTn analysis of the amplicon sequences (PV540683) revealed a 99.41% similarity to P. dryadeus sequence available in GenBank. Following a conventional visual assessment, the extent of basal deterioration was evaluated using sonic tomography (Arbotom®, Rinntech, Heidelberg, Germany). Eleven high carbon-steel nails were equally spaced around the tree trunk at 20 cm above ground, an impulse sensor was inserted on each nail and all sensors were connected in sequence to form a measurement network. Sound waves were produced by tapping each sensor with a hammer, until 3-4 positive readings were obtained. High velocity readings (3220 m s-1) indicating sound wood were limited to minor peripheral areas and SE portion. Low velocity readings (310 m s-1) indicating internal decay were observed throughout the central portion. To assess the tree’s mechanical stability, a static/dynamic load test was conducted using a controlled external force applied via a tensioned rope system (Dynatim®, Rinntech). Two inclination sensors were positioned at 40 cm above ground to measure the tree’s deflection under load. The safety factor was 1120%, which is higher than the critical value of 150%. No chemical treatment is currently available to halt the progression of the infection, which is expected to advance steadily. To monitor the tree’s health conditions inspections every 6 months, and tree’s remotion of dead wood will be scheduled.

ABSTRACT. The Humanitarian New Year Garden at the University of Belgrade’s Botanical Garden “Jevremovac” (Serbia) is a unique annual event, launched in 2021, that merges education, culture, environmental awareness, and philanthropy. Organised in collaboration with the Serbian Philanthropic Forum and the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, the initiative aims to attract visitors during the winter season while promoting the diversity and importance of conifers, and supporting charitable causes. Each December, companies and organisations rent and decorate conifer trees, transforming the garden into a festive space. This winter activation not only enlivens the garden during its off-season but also serves as an educational platform. Visitors, including numerous school groups, learn about conifer species, their ecological roles, threats they face, and the cultural traditions of tree decorating across different regions and historical periods. All decorative practices follow strict sustainability guidelines. Decorations are reused wherever possible, and the use of recyclable or sustainably produced materials is strongly encouraged. All activities are carried out under the supervision of the Garden’s staff to ensure plant safety and environmental responsibility. The humanitarian aspect of the event lies in the fundraising model: funds from tree rentals are split evenly between the Botanical Garden—supporting the renewal of its plant collection and urban greening efforts—and youth-focused non-profit organisations. In 2024 alone, over EUR 10,000 was raised; half was used for new tree planting and air quality improvement in central Belgrade, while the other half funded projects for young people. In addition to its environmental and humanitarian goals, the event fosters the preservation of intangible cultural heritage by showcasing diverse tree-decorating customs and their symbolism during winter holidays around the world. The Humanitarian New Year Garden stands out as a model for integrating education, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility—an inspiring example of how botanical gardens can engage the public and promote sustainability even during the quietest time of the year.

ABSTRACT. New species are often described from natural history collections, but those in botanical gardens are special as they are “living types”. Their taxonomic value for research is just as important as the necessity to preserve these collections for conservation. While new species described from garden collections, may refer to them as such, often the accession numbers are only scarcely mentioned. Nowadays, international exchange numbers such as IPEN-numbers are ideal to register the origin and provenance of accessions. However, before the advent of IPEN and material transfer agreements, literature references usually briefly mention botanic gardens and accession numbers were not always included. This stresses the need for accurate curation and annotating these collections is important for garden and conservation policies. The research collection of the Hortus botanicus Leiden has hailed many new species described in the past decades. To increase the valuation of our collection, these accessions were traced from literature, uniformly annotated in our Iris BG database and linked to the original publications. The annotation included a specific attribute for type material, determination level with reference to the authors and link to herbarium barcodes. Gathering information of the past 70 years of taxonomic publications has resulted in 147 accessions to be identified as type material. The majority of new species were described from our Orchidaceae (122) and Amorphophallus (23) collections. The Hortus botanicus Leiden started with assigning accession numbers in the 1950s and the difficulty of linking publications predating this time to garden collections becomes exponentially difficult. Most are also no longer present in the living collections and would need to be traced in herbaria, which may or may not refer to the botanic garden. Many accessions have not survived in the living collections, but those that are still present are often propagated vegetatively and shared with other botanic gardens. Today 23 living type accessions are still alive in the collection. Through our survey of past publications, it becomes clear that the reference to living collections could still be improved. Annotating plants used for science strengthens not only their research value, but the database can provide much more information for science communication and education while providing a historical record of studies in botanic gardens.

ABSTRACT. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, on the coast of the Baltic Sea is quite variable in its natural conditions. Along with traditional parks and urban greenery, several large natural areas covered by various forests, meadows, wetlands and even bogs have preserved here. The prominent North-Estonian limestone escarpment that runs through its territory makes the local landscape even more diverse.

Over the past century, Tallinn has expanded its area almost by half. Today, there are several native semi-natural meadows and pastures within the city borders that are no longer managed traditionally, because farming has ceased long on these lands.

Grasslands with native species and native species-rich communities are particularly important in cities and urban landscapes for providing habitat and various ecosystem services to all sorts of other biota as well as to the residents themselves. It is very important to somehow reduce the negative impact of the widespread practice of preferring and growing predominantly non-native, exotic, and even invasive species in traditional urban landscaping.

Tallinn city authorities have recently taken the initiative and organized hay mowing in several large grasslands that were threatened by overgrowth and destruction. In some grasslands, overgrown by shrubs and young trees, clearings and restoration were carried out first.

Powerful communal mowers are used for mowing, which leave behind cut and shredded grass. Depending on the productivity of a particular site, a thick layer of grass clippings left behind may prevent the desired recovery of species richness.

We launched a research project to obtain detailed information about the recovery of plant community species richness, once characteristic of these meadows. We described the condition and species richness of the vegetation cover in 36 sample plots per each site even before the mowing and restoration work began.

We removed experimentally the remaining shredded grass from half of our sample plots to test its possible negative impact on the recovery of the species richness. The first results confirm our hypothesis. The removal of shredded grass is important and has a clear positive effect on the restoration of plant community species diversity on a site.

In Europe, semi-natural grasslands are biodiversity hotspots for several plant and pollinator species and the restoration and proper management of remaining grasslands should be of great importance.

ABSTRACT. Herbarium digitisation is rapidly transforming access to historical plant collections. However, many smaller herbaria, typically housing fewer than a million specimens and often embedded within botanical gardens, are struggling to keep up due to limited funding and infrastructure. These institutions often lack the resources to adopt the high-speed imaging technologies used in larger and well-funded herbaria, thus leaving a gap in digital access and research potential. To address this inequality and speed up the digitisation effort, transnational collaboration is a way forward to bridge the technology and research capacity gap between under-funded and well-funded herbaria. Building on this framework, the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland has spearheaded a collaborative herbarium digitisation project in partnership with the State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe in Germany and Ghent University in Belgium ─ DigiHerb https://digiherb.nweurope.eu/. This 18-month initiative, funded by the Northwest Europe Interreg programme, builds on the concept of herbarium consortia where institutions share digitisation equipment, expertise and data infrastructure. At the heart of the project is a high throughput conveyor belt imaging system which will now be rotated among the three partners. By pooling resources and working under a shared data management framework https://digiherb.symbiota.org/ the project will increase the visibility and accessibility of collections. The DigiHerb project is a good example demonstrating how transnational collaboration can overcome technological and funding barriers, helping under-resourced herbaria participation in the digital era and making plant collections more accessible to researchers and the wider public.

ABSTRACT. In response to the global decline of pollinators and the urgent need for public awareness, the University Botanical Garden “Jevremovac” in Belgrade (Serbia) established a Pollinator Oasis — an outdoor educational zone designed to inform and inspire the public on how to support pollinators in urban environments. The project was supported by the U.S. Embassy in Serbia and developed in collaboration with Smithsonian Gardens (Washington, D.C.). The Oasis features a rich assortment of nectar- and pollen-rich plants that bloom from early spring to late autumn, providing food for a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. Plant species include medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental plants, selected for both their ecological value and visual appeal. A focal points of this area is a bee hotel for solitary bees, enabling visitors to safely observe their fascinating nesting behavior up close. The hotel is one of the most popular and photographed landmarks of the Botanical Garden since its opening. A series of engaging educational panels, originally developed by the Smithsonian Gardens and adapted for the local context, present the biology of pollinators, ecosystem roles, current threats, and practical conservation tips. These materials are designed to communicate complex scientific concepts in a clear, engaging and accessible way. To deepen public engagement, the Oasis offers expert-led themed tours and interactive workshops for schoolchildren, families, and visitors of all ages. The sustainability of the program is ensured through the involvement of biology students from the University of Belgrade, who completed a specially designed training to serve as educators within the Oasis. This initiative highlights the powerful role botanical gardens can play in urban biodiversity conservation, science communication, and citizen engagement. It also demonstrates how international partnerships can be leveraged to strengthen local education and conservation efforts. The Pollinator Oasis in Jevremovac serves as an inspiring model for other botanical gardens seeking to promote pollinator-friendly practices and foster environmental stewardship in cities across Europe.

ABSTRACT. Habitat restoration is one of the most necessary projects in the face of biodiversity loss associated with human mismanagement and rapid climate change. On oceanic islands this loss has a greater impact because they are strongholds of high exclusive biodiversity (high endemicity), because of the fragility of their ecosystems, and because of their limited territory. On islands with rainfall regimes below 250 mm/year, with tendencies towards desertification, restoration becomes a difficult task. For this reason, the restoration of a degraded habitat in the highlands of Famara Massif (Lanzarote Island), its biodiversity hotspot, has been proposed by the Regional Ministry of Ecological Transition, the Fight against Climate Change and Territorial Planning (FEDER 2014–2020), on an experimental basis from a multidisciplinary perspective, in order to seek maximum guarantees of success and with the dual objective of serving as a pilot project. The experience of the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava in the flora and vegetation of Lanzarote allowed us to establish the bases on which to base the restoration. The chosen area corresponds to highly eroded badlands in the potential domain, and therefore the ultimate object, of a thermosclerophyllous woodland dominated by small trees such as Olea, Pistacia and Phyllirea with undergrowth dominated by succulent shrubs of the genus Euphorbia and numerous other insular endemisms (Asteriscus, Convolvulus, Limonium) or regional (Lavandula, Periploca, Sideritis) nature. In favourable edaphotographic zones, some elements of the Canarian monteverde (Morella, Erica, Hypericum) have found a place in this scenario. More than 40 species were chosen for the restoration, taking into account their role in plant succession, their character as nurse species, their capacity to provide organic matter or taxonomic diversity. All of them were inoculated in the nursery with local high quality soils. In parallel, 40 experimental plots were set up to study different treatments: mulching to prevent erosion, addition of organic matter, fog collectors, etc. using 6 representative species (Lycium intricatum -nurse species-, Euphorbia balsamifera -important at the head of the Vegetation Series due to rising aridity, Bitunimaria bituminosa var. albomarginata and Coronilla viminalis -nitrogen fixers-, Bupleurum handiense -late flowering- and Phalaris coerulescens -soil retainer-) inoculated with native mycorrhizae and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

ABSTRACT. In the era of habitat loss and natural ecosystems, climate change, agricultural pressure an urbanization, more and more species are threatened with extinction. One of the important elements of ecological education is raising the general awareness of broad circles of society about the increasing processes of species extinction and protection of the rarest components of individual flora. In Europe, there are 278 species of plants listed in the CITES appendices, and many other plants, often existing in the national consciousness, are also disappearing. In the framework of the COST Action 18201 ConservePlants (www.conserveplants.eu) an engaged group of scientists from: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine have jointly produced three publications and a website presenting 107 interesting and often culturally important plants threatened with extinction. In addition, one information poster on CITES has been prepared. Some protected and endangered plant species are entrenched in the national consciousness as unique, because they have played a significant role due to their symbolism and importance in a given country. Information on such taxa for 19 countries can be found in the brochure entitled "Endangered plants of importance for selected European countries". Examples include Tulipa albanica Kit Tan & Shuka for Albania, Cochlearia polonica A.Fröhl. for Poland and Inula helvetica Grauer for Switzerland. All materials are freely available on the Conserve Plants website (www.conserveplants.eu). Native European CITES plant species are presented in publications entitled "CITES Plants of Europe" and "CITES National Flagship Plants of Europe". Moreover, additional cards have been produced and published separately on the website. Many of the species are also important in society consciousness as e.g. Orchis italica Poir. For Italy, Gymnadenia lithopolitanica (Ravnik) Teppner & E. Klein for Slovenia, Barlia robertiana (Liosel.) Greuter for Spain.

ABSTRACT. Orchids are one of the largest and most diverse plant families, comprising over 30,000 species across five subfamilies. At the same time, they rank among the most threatened groups of plants, making conservation efforts increasingly urgent. Botanical gardens play a vital role in this context, as they are estimated to host at least one-third of all known plant species in ex situ collections. For effective conservation management, it is essential to know which species are present, their ecological needs, and their conservation status.

In a Bachelor-thesis, students focused on the inventory and assessment of the orchid collection at the Ghent University Botanical Garden. The collection includes 647 species across 139 genera, with a strong dominance of the subfamily Epidendroideae (95%). Based on the IUCN Red List and the ThreatSearch database, around 23% of the species in the collection are considered threatened, and 78% fall under CITES regulations, emphasizing the need for responsible and well-informed collection management.

In addition to the conservation assessment, DNA barcoding was explored as a complementary tool for verifying species identities within the collection. Using standard plant barcode markers, preliminary results highlighted both the potential and limitations of molecular identification techniques. DNA barcoding can support the identification of mislabeled or unidentified specimens and help validate existing records, especially in cases where morphological identification is inconclusive. However, successful implementation depends on the quality of reference databases and should be integrated with traditional taxonomic methods.

This study demonstrates the importance of detailed collection assessments for guiding conservation priorities and managing botanical collections. It provides a foundation for future actions, such as expanding the representation of underrepresented subfamilies or focusing on threatened taxa, possibly through collaboration and exchange with other botanical institutions.

ABSTRACT. Using the collections and knowledge of natural plants from the botanical garden, it is an ideal place to bring traditional plant-based skills into the modern day. Dyeing with plants, plant painting, plant printing, collecting and drying plants to for creating natural bouquets are some possible components of an educational program that can be used for both children and adults. Hands-on activities and various art projects also provide opportunities to engage students with special needs. People feel happy and at peace when they have contact with plants. Often, many people do not have their own garden or the opportunity to grow plants. In addition to plant cultivation (gardening), there are many other ways to use plants that can be combined with handicrafts and art. More and more, old knowledge and manual skills are being valued. Plant-related workshops help develop people's manual skills and find balance in the fast pace of daily life. I conducted my first experiments with plant dyeing about 30 years ago. Since then, I have enhanced my knowledge of various methods, while working at the botanical garden, gained experience with a wider range of plants. Today, a wealth of sample material is available to inspire program participants. I have tried to find activities for the workshops where the whole family can participate. This allows participants not only to acquire plant knowledge, but also to spend quality time together, developing various manual skills, and activating the creativity that is so essential for all of us. As Estonians, we are a people of plants and forests. Foreign visitors have pointed out that the plant craft workshops at Tallinn Botanic Garden are valuable due to the diverse plant material collected from the botanical garden. Also highlighted is the instructor who knows the plants from many different angles. The best feedback from the plant dyeing workshop has been the photos sent by participants of already finished knitted items. The natural material used in the workshops teaches the value of simple things and develops resourcefulness. Additionally, it has a principle of thrift, as often weeds and rustical plant are used as dye plants. Creative self-expression brings a sense of accomplishment and immediate positive feedback.

ABSTRACT. Botanic gardens play a key role in plant conservation, research, and public engagement. In Belgium, the Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (V.B.T.A.) has advanced the structuring and digitization of collections through the DiSSCo Flanders (Distributed System of Scientific Collections) project. This initiative led to the creation of botanicalcollections.be, an online platform hosted by Meise Botanic Garden, that centralizes accession-level data from 20 Belgian botanical institutions, supporting improved collection management and conservation planning. The dataset represents approximately 100 000 accessions and provides next to the taxonomic name also metadata such as provenance type, source and country of origin. To assess ex situ representation, we used the genus Aristolochia as a case study. Botanicalcollections.be contains 95 accessions (131 plants), representing 38 unique taxa. Only 27% of the accessions are of wild origin or traceable to wild-collected material. The distribution is uneven, with most taxa found in just one or two collections. Given the role of botanic gardens in preserving plant genetic resources, the narrow genetic base of some accessions is a concern. A comparative analysis with global databases (BGCI’s PlantSearch and ThreatSearch) shows that 25% of globally recorded Aristolochia taxa are held in Belgian collections. However, nearly half of those are cultivated in five or fewer institutions, reflecting limited ex situ coverage. Cross-referencing PlantSearch and ThreatSearch identifies 29 accepted species and two synonyms present in both datasets; of these, nine (possibly) threatened species are currently maintained in Belgian ex situ collections. Biogeographically, over half of the Aristolochia taxa in Belgian holdings originate from the Americas, 26% from Asia, and 18% from Europe (excluding Turkey). European Aristolochia species—including threatened ones—remain underrepresented in global ex situ collections. To enhance conservation outcomes of Aristolochia in Belgian ex situ collections, we recommend targeted horticultural efforts, improved accession documentation, and a strategic focus on European taxa suited to local cultivation. Integrating digital tools such as botanicalcollections.be, PlantSearch, and ThreatSearch into collection planning fosters informed decision-making and institutional collaboration, strengthening the contribution of ex situ collections to plant conservation.

ABSTRACT. Botanic gardens play a pivotal role in ex situ conservation by maintaining living collections and seed banks, collectively safeguarding an estimated 30% of all known plant species. The Ghent University Botanical Garden maintains a collection of 42 Aristolochia taxa, many of which are underrepresented both nationally (www.botanicalgardens.be) and globally—being cultivated in fewer than five institutions according to BGCI’s PlantSearch database. To enhance representation and support the conservation of this genus, horticultural trials and propagation protocols were developed for nine Aristolochia species. Vegetative propagation was tested on A. westlandii, A. littoralis, A. bullata, A. schippii, A. gigantea, and A. veracruzana. Semi-ripe, two-node cuttings were placed in peat-free substrate or perlite, with and without indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Rooting success was limited, varying between 0 and 60%. Information on seed storage and germination for many Aristolochia species remains limited. Germination trials for the following species were conducted in nursery settings and in a climate chamber (70% RH, 25°C, 12 h light): Aristolochia littoralis, A. gigantea, A. gibbosa, A. trilobata, A. hirta and A. macroura. Seeds harvested in the botanical garden from 2023 to 2025 began germinating within 12–27 days under greenhouse conditions, indicating morphological dormancy. For species with <50% germination after 30 days (A. trilobata, A. macroura, A. hirta, A. gigantea), additional tests with and without gibberellic acid (GA₃) were performed. Germination rates under nursery conditions ranged from 14% to 92%. Surplus plant material will be shared via the Belgian botanic gardens network (V.B.T.A.-Vereniging van Botanische Tuinen en Arboreta) and offered through BGCI’s PlantConnect platform.

ABSTRACT. In recent years, mitigation translocations of protected plant species have become increasingly common in the Harjumaa district and the city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Unfortunately, there is a lack of reliable data regarding the outcomes of these often poorly planned and implemented projects. From 2023 to 2025, the Tallinn Botanic Garden, operated by the Tallinn municipality, carried out an assessment of mitigation translocations conducted in Tallinn and the Harjumaa district. A database with detailed information on these translocations, including species, dates, locations, permits, and translocation reports, was compiled. There was data on 61 separate translocation cases involving 19 protected plant species, conducted between 2010 and 2022, in total in our dataset. Translocations carried out after 2022 were excluded from the analysis due to the insufficient time elapsed to assess their outcomes. Based on this dataset, all known translocation sites were visited and evaluated using a standardised questionnaire developed for this purpose. Our findings reveal that the majority of mitigation translocations in Harjumaa and Tallinn have failed to produce positive outcomes. The primary issues identified include unsuitable habitats, lack of site management or inappropriate management practices. Additionally, in some cases, the number of translocated individuals were too small to withstand transplant shock or to establish self-sustaining populations. In several instances, translocations were carried out in areas where the target species were already present, and since translocated individuals were not marked, it was impossible to determine the success of the translocation. Our results highlight the need to improve the legislative framework for mitigation translocations, shifting from a process-driven approach to one that mandates consistent standards and outcome-based evaluations.

ABSTRACT. According to the Red List of the ferns and flowering plants of Austria, about 37 % of the species are considered threatened. Due to intensive land use and other interventions, many habitats are disturbed, rare and/or isolated from one another. The remaining populations face ongoing threats and are often small and highly isolated making spontaneous dispersal between them unlikely. Botanical gardens are an important interface between research and nature conservation. For most imperilled plants, there is a lack of experience regarding the successful cultivation and reintroduction. Through in situ and different ex situ efforts, botanical gardens integrate scientific findings, horticultural and botanical practice and expertise, and nature conservation work. By this they can make a substantial contribution to fulfil targets of the convention of biodiversity. The project Vermehrung und Wiederansiedelung durch Botanische Gärten Gefährdete Pflanzenarten Österreichs is a collaborative effort of the Botanical Gardens of the University of Innsbruck, the Carinthian State Museum, the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, and the University of Vienna. Actions take place in Tirol, Salzburg, Kärnten, Niederösterreich and Burgenland. The participating gardens collect data, maintain an intensive exchange of information, and enter the experiences with the horticultural cultivation into a database for ex-situ conservation. Seeds of 47 threatened plant species from Austria are collected, deposited in seed banks and cultivated in gardens. Depending on the biology of the species, either these cultivated plants are planted in their original habitats or seeds are sown directly, both in cooperation with authorities, landowners, and landscape conservationists to preserve these threatened species. The plan is to monitor and evaluate the measures referring the outcomes of the plantings in the wild. The knowledge gained through this project is provided to experts and interested parties and presented in the botanical gardens as part of events, guided tours and exhibitions. The botanic gardens provide regular updates on the project via the social media. This project is funded by the Biodiversity Fund of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment, Regions and Water Management and NextGenerationEU.

ABSTRACT. The Citadel of Corte, a medieval site built in the 15th century on the rocky promontory overlooking the city, is currently getting a makeover as part of a vast requalification program led by the Collectivity of Corsica and its partners. Under the name “CITADELLA XXI”, this project aims to enhance the site, between nature and culture, and adapt it to society’s evolution, while inserting it as seamlessly as possible into the city and his environment. This project includes the creation of a botanical garden designed in partnership between the National Botanical Conservatory of Corsica and the agency “Territoires Landscape Architects”. This is a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of preserving wild flora at a territorial level and beyond, by integrating into the globally recognized network of botanical gardens. The stronghold’s different bastions will reveal an authentic sample of the island’s flora through living collections that illustrate the relations between humans and their environment. Inspired by the surrounding landscape, a trail will allow visitors to immerse themselves into a Mediterranean atmosphere showcasing some species heritage: an ode to resilient plant communities. This trail also offers a glimpse on Corsican cultural practices related to plants, linking the ethnobotanic collections with the ethnographic collections of the Museum of Corsica located into the Citadel. The project concern also a conservation garden. As an educational and recreational support for scientific mediation and raising awareness about wild and cultivated flora, this botanical garden will simultaneously serve as a rich experimental ground for the conservation or the cultivation of vegetal species. It will help support in situ protection efforts, for endangered and rare species, as well as interventions in ecological restauration. By integrating new patrimonial and event dimensions, the Citadel strengthens its role as a dynamic center of culture and research, all whilst raising awareness among a broad audience about the importance of preserving nature. It’s going to be the first botanical garden linked to a seed bank in Corsica.

ABSTRACT. The creation of a new botanical garden in the city of Cernusco sul Naviglio (metropolitan area of Milan) could represent an important opportunity to promote Green Deal objectives, environmental education and awareness, and actively contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. The garden, currently in the planning stage and awaiting fundings and sponsorships, may serve as a green hub for ecological learning and citizen engagement, encouraging a deeper connection between people and nature. The garden site is expected to be a strategic location for both locals and visitors. It will be developed on a public green space of about 1.5 hectares, in front of the historic Villa Alari (XVIII century), allowing for a unique integration of cultural and green heritages. The proposed garden will be easily accessible by underground and adjacent to the Naviglio Martesana canal—an important and ancient transport route and irrigation system of the Lombardy plain—with a contiguous and well-known cycling path connected to the Milan’s city centre. The project is centered around thematic garden beds, showing five main plant groups: native Italian flora (continental, alpine, and mediterranean), species associated with traditional agricultural landscapes, medicinal plants, ornamental plants from around the world, and a wetland area. A greenhouse will also be constructed to host tropical plant species and to function as a space for recreational and educational activities, offering visitors a year-round experience and expanding the garden’s role as a community hub. This approach is aimed at not only increasing the local ecological identity but also at showing the global plant diversity in an engaging and educational way. Inclusivity is a core value of the design. Indeed, the garden will feature sensory pathways and dedicated areas for visually impaired visitors, ensuring that the experience is accessible to all. Through this project, Cernusco sul Naviglio is expected to host an innovative and multifunctional green space bridging nature, culture, and community well-being in a dynamic and sustainable way.

ABSTRACT. Lycium barbarum L. is increasingly relevant in both applied phytotherapy and habitat restoration, due to its adaptability, soil-stabilizing potential, and high-value bioactive compounds. In this study, we developed and validated a complete in vitro propagation protocol for two officially registered cultivars: “Licurici” (Republic of Moldova) and “Erma” (Romania, ISTIS no. 2987/07.04.2017). The experimental protocol included four key stages: culture initiation, shoot proliferation, rooting, and ex vitro acclimatization. Initiation on MS medium with 0.2 mg/L BAP yielded regeneration rates of 94.4% for ”Licurici” and 80.2% for ‘Erma’. Multiplication using BAP 0.2 mg/L + ANA 0.2 mg/L + GA₃ 0.1 mg/L generated 5.22 ± 0.31 shoots per explant in “Licurici” and 4.94 ± 0.36 in ‘Erma’. Rooting was induced with ANA 0.2 mg/L, resulting in 91.6% and 94.4% rooting efficiency, and mean shoot lengths of 11.6 cm (“Licurici”) and 12.2 cm (“Erma”). Acclimatization success reached 91.6% in “Licurici” and 86.1% in “Erma” using a substrate mixture suitable for high-humidity transitional environments. The protocol maintains clonal fidelity and high survival across all stages and is suitable for reproducible use in ex situ conservation and nursery-scale propagation. Given the ecological relevance of L. barbarum in erosion control and its recognized ethnobotanical applications, this methodology supports the integration of certified cultivars into conservation programs led by botanical gardens, with additional potential in functional agroforestry and sustainable plant production.

ABSTRACT. Effective and reliable management of living collections requires a robust and flexible database system capable of handling diverse plant-related data. The Botanic Garden and Museum of Pisa (BGM-PI) started in 2019 the implementation of a plant documentation system named U-Plant, specifically designed for botanic gardens, which became fully operational after two years. Last year (2024) we decided to share the tool with the botanic gardens’ community by releasing it in open-source modality (MIT License). The code and accompanying README file are now available in the GitHub repository (https://github.com/Unipisa/U-Plant). To our knowledge, this is the first open-source plant documentation system worldwide specifically designed for botanic gardens. U-Plant allows to integrate taxonomic, geographic, and horticultural information to facilitate plant tracking, labelling, collection analysis, and specimens’ management. The core of the system is a relational database structured into interconnected tables managing plant accessions, taxonomic classifications, collection sites, and horticultural records listed in chronological order about a given specimen. Users can have three different types of credentials with specific permits of data entering and modification: ‘Administrator’, ‘Operator’, and ‘Reader’. The tool includes specific functions for exporting data as .csv files, enhancing both interoperability with other tools and data sharing with external institutions. U-Plant is available in English and supports bilingual customization with a second local language tailored to the user's country. Although plant documentation is crucial for botanic gardens’ workflows, it often remains unnoticed by the public. To bridge this gap, enhance visitors' experience and access to our collections, U-Plant is complemented by the bilingual online portal U-Plant DISCOVER. This portal extracts data from U-Plant in real time and makes it freely available to visitors at: https://uplantdiscover.sma.unipi.it/. Our goal is twofold: (1) to make our efforts fruitful by providing other institutions with a free plant documentation system, and (2) to connect with other institutions and intercept external resources to enhance the software by adding additional features. Potential improvements for U-Plant we are working on include: (1) an automated and reliable system for managing plant nomenclature, (2) a tool designed to monitor and manage trees, and (3) a tool for managing the Index Seminum.

ABSTRACT. In the context of a global trend where most botanical gardens have ceased to expand in both species richness and taxonomic diversity—primarily due to spatial and resource constraints, the model implemented by the Botanic Garden of Castilla-La Mancha (JBCLM) in Albacete, Spain, emerges as an innovative and efficient alternative. It stands out for its specialised, territory-linked conservationist approach, in which collections are focused on the flora of the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha and the rigorous recreation of its native habitats. This strategy, along with meticulously an ecological management, enables a more efficient use of the space and a higher representativeness of threatened taxa within its collections—surpassing the limitations of generalist models based on the accumulation of exotic species. Its 7 hectares were inaugurated in 2010, on a previously barren land, which was completely devoid of vegetation. The garden currently hosts 29,000 plants of 869 wild taxa—29% of the Regional Catalogue of Threatened Species—many of which are being cultivated ex situ for the first time in horticultural history, as well as many other exotic species. The native flora is distributed across 44 recreated habitats, most of which are recreations of those protected under Directive 92/43/EEC. For the design of the recreations, the selection of species followed strict scientific criteria, prioritising endemic and threatened species, and thoroughly recreating their natural communities. As a result, the biodiversity associated (particularly insects and birds) has experienced a great increase over the years—rising from complete absence to a state of ecological richness. The JBCLM provides a refuge for local biodiversity in a suburban area, by functioning as an ecological corridor and urban refuge. In this regard, the JBCLM has established itself as a key factor in the integration of nature-based solutions, combining habitat enhancement and management, species reintroduction and monitoring, and urban greening within a single innovative model of applied conservation. Also, by connecting citizens with local nature through visits, workshops and other means of communication, the garden fosters environmental awareness and promotes the use of native species in urban design and contributing to climate resilience. The JBCLM is a model for ecosystem restoration in urban and fragmented landscapes, enhancing natural resilience and supporting local fauna.

ABSTRACT. Geneva Botanical Garden has been cultivating and conserving collections of plants from all over the world for over two hundred years. In a pioneering approach almost ten years ago, we moved toward certified organic horticulture. The transition from conventional to organic cultivation required us to question our working methods. Several empirical trials were carried out in the greenhouses of the Geneva Botanic Garden. Biological control using beneficial organisms, the use of compost, organic fertilisation and mechanical pest control techniques are examples of the strategies put in place to meet the requirements of an organic label. The aim of these trials was to test and compare different organic growing techniques in a controlled environment on a variety of botanical collections, including palms, orchids, cacti and citrus for example, using environmentally friendly methods. At the same time, we needed to offer our public the view of lush plants and to maintain the conservation value of our collections. Gardeners have been able to meet the specific challenges of growing almost 4,000 different species in greenhouses, without the use of any chemical inputs. Solutions have yet to be found to solve some remaining problems, such as weed management and the fertilisation of certain groups of plants. But overall, the results have shown that organically grown plants in greenhouses can be just as qualitative as those grown conventionally, while offering additional benefits such as greater biodiversity, improved soil quality,and healthier working conditions for the staff.

ABSTRACT. The National Herbarium (DBN) at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland houses a growing collection of more than half a million specimens of plants and fungi from Ireland and around the world. The collection comprises of historical and 21st century specimens and is important from the perspectives of scientific research, culture and natural heritage. However, in a time of global ecological crisis botanic gardens and herbaria are responding by adapting their collections to also ensure the ex situ conservation of the global flora. Seed banks are an efficient method of ex situ plant conservation, capable of conserving genetic diversity of flora should it be lost in the wild. At the inaugural Irish National Biodiversity Conference in 2019, the Office of Public Works (an Irish Government agency) committed to establishing the National Seed Bank at the National Botanic Gardens, and it has since become a key target in the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (2023-2030). This paper will outline how the new seed bank was established by adapting international best practise to suit local needs and limitations. We developed a seed collection strategy and viable workflow which meets the standards required by the Millennium Seedbank Partnership. Seeds are collected using ENSCONET protocols, are dried at 15°C to 15% relative humidity and frozen at -20°C to maximise their viability over time. To date the seed bank has preserved seeds from over 200 populations of 124 taxa of vascular plant. This represents 12% of Ireland’s native and archaeophyte flora, and 13% of Ireland’s threatened flora, according to the ‘Red List’. The seed bank serves as a critical piece of national infrastructure for the ex-situ conservation of Ireland’s biodiversity, and will play a critical role in ongoing and future ecological restoration events.

ABSTRACT. University of Zagreb Faculty of Science Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Croatia. It was established in 1889 as the Botanical Garden of the Royal University of Zagreb and built south of the newly planned districts after the great earthquake of 1880. Initial garden area of only 3 hectares was equipped in 1892 with a modern glasshouse, designed according to similar European greenhouses of the time and purchased from the Viennese Ignaz Gridl metal workshop, famous for the royal palm house in Schönbrunn and many other constructions through the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The 1889 Gridl greenhouse in Botanical Garden of Graz University (Austria), a “big brother” to Zagreb one with its similar design, was fully restored in 2021, and serves as a restoration model to our own endeavors. During the last 25 years, numerous attempts were made to start the full restoration of this only historic greenhouse in Zagreb and Croatia. The last application to EU funding for the greenhouse as a Visitors’ center, with the first Croatian flora seed bank, resulted in top evaluation score, but landed in the waiting list due to lack of funds. Initial steps were stopped by change in local government, financial crises after the COVID19-epidemic and the new strong earthquake in 2020. A public greenhouse is one of the most vital parts of a university botanical garden, so we continue our battle of restoring this unique piece of architecture in Croatia, both as a practical plant exhibition space, as well as a historical building. In addressing the City and the Government for the importance of having and saving ‘a Gridl’ greenhouse, we seek inspiration in restoration successes in Graz and Roma botanical gardens.

ABSTRACT. Botanical gardens, as publicly accessible institutions, serve both to demonstrate cultivated plants and to foster an understanding of wild flora and habitats. In the boreal region, recent years have seen active efforts to create urban meadows to enhance biodiversity in cities, parks, and urban outskirts. Gardens may not have the capacity for large-scale experiments, but they can provide controlled environments for various management regimes, regular monitoring, and visitor behavior studies. The University of Latvia Botanical Garden has established three different urban meadows, each with its own origin, species composition, and purpose. In the first meadow we aimed at enhancing biodiversity in an old lawn: around 70 vascular plant species collected from dry and mesic semi-natural meadows were systematically sown or planted in 2014. To maintain biodiversity, controlling expansive and invasive species by weeding and annual late mowing was carried out to encourage self-seeding. The second meadow aimed at learning from controlled experiment by comparing six management techniques (five replicates) including mowing once or twice, the addition of semi-natural grassland soil, and the sowing of wild meadow seeds. The most effective treatment – turf removal, soil addition, and seeding – significantly increased plant diversity from 20 to 100 species in four years. The third meadow was established in 2023 in an existing dry meadow as a part of urban meadow network of at least 45 meadows in the frame of UrbaLifeCircles Life project to promote biodiversity in Riga city. In the Botanical Garden, soil harrowing and removal of litter were carried out prior to sowing new plants. The following year, successful establishment and flowering of new species were observed. Each study and effort to maintain urban meadows is an attempt to restore understanding of the role of meadows in nature and society, demonstrate the great species diversity, and highlight the various ecosystem services they provide. The established urban meadows at the Botanical Garden provide an insight into grassland diversity, appropriate management, and restoration potential in private and public urban areas. These initiatives not only enhance biodiversity but also serve as educational resources for the public.

ABSTRACT. Alongside ex situ plant conservation, and the support of development of science, education is one of the fundamental functions of any botanical garden. The living collection that is the main focus of those institutions, makes plants or nature in general the main focus of almost all of the educational projects. The AMU Botanical Garden offers plenty of educational trails using boards that are strategically situated in the garden, often with QR codes on them. These kinds of paths are focused on environmental education with occasional supplemental information about animals such as insects and birds. However, botanical gardens have the potential to go beyond the basic curriculum of school’s national system and create more complex educational offer. In early 2025, in the AMU Botanical Garden in Poznań, an educational trial has been implemented, which is primarily based on interdisciplinarity knowledge. This path was designed to combine information not only from biology but also history, geography and lesser-known aspects of cultural studies. The trial is about selected individuals that left their homeland for different reasons - exiles (J. Czerski, M. Jankowski, B. Piłsudski), emigrants (I. Domeyko, L. Młokosiewicz), travelers (A. Fiedler) and missionaries (M. Boym). They ended up in different parts of the world, from the Caucasus, through Siberia, the Amur Region, China to Japan, as well as Chile and Canada. The aim of this pathway was to bring out users' curiosity not only about plants but also about people who found themselves in a difficult situation, surrounded by unfamiliar fauna and flora. They overcame various obstacles and contributed to the development of foreign regions. This kind of educational proposal is inexpensive and easy to implement, since the pathway is based on combining QR codes on labels or boards and mobile devices with paper working sheets. This idea can be an interesting opportunity for gardens with limited resources.

ABSTRACT. “The Gardens of Knowledge” is an environmental education project developed by the “D. Brandza” Botanical Garden of the University of Bucharest. Its main goal was to raise awareness and improve understanding of urban biodiversity, the essential relationships between plants and animals, and the importance of conserving both flora and fauna in urban areas. The project involved the rehabilitation and extension of several spaces dedicated to educational activities: the Historical Garden, the Children’s Garden and aquatic basin from the Italian Garden. These green areas were redesigned to promote concepts such as biodiversity, sustainability, and the conservation of natural resources. The Historical Garden is a unique initiative in Romania and preserves around 60 plant species and varieties historically used in food production in Romania before 1500, prior to the arrival of crops from the Americas. The Children’s Garden offers an interactive experience through a giant model of a plant, where young visitors can explore the root, stem, leaves, flower, fruit, and seed. The design encourages play-based learning and connects children with the structure and function of plants in a creative and memorable way. By transforming these educational spaces, the project contributes to the development of ecological literacy and encourages responsible attitudes toward nature. The Gardens of Knowledge demonstrates the potential of urban green spaces to serve as outdoor classrooms and as platforms for long-term public engagement in biodiversity conservation.

ABSTRACT. The Botanical Garden of Bucharest was officially established in 1860 on a site adjacent to the current one. After 14 years it was moved to the city center, near the University of Bucharest, and then, in 1884, it was moved again to Cotroceni, on the right side of the Dâmbovița River. The maps and plans available in the archive of the "D Brandza" Botanical Garden highlight both the initial design and the evolution over 165 years of its landscape. Since its move in 1884 to its current location, almost unchanged areas are still preserved. Thus, the hill with the Flora of Dobrogea, the Useful Plants sector, the area of the lake from the Gymnosperm Hill have undergone few changes over more than 130 years. Important changes in the landscape of the Botanical Garden were made between 1932 and 1936, when the "Italian Garden" was arranged and a building for a restaurant was built. The next period of major interventions in the landscape was represented by the years 1976-1978 when the metro was built. Then the main alleys were paved and the bottom of the large lake was concreted. In the last 20 years, the landscape of the Garden has been transformed by the maintenance of wild areas. One of them offers better conditions to the more than 70 species of birds inventoried here, and the other area is a fragment of meadow, specific to the area where the Botanical Garden is located. Through its structure and present appearance, the "D. Brandza" Botanical Garden manages to successfully fulfil its functions, including the recreational one.

ABSTRACT. botalista.software is a web-based application designed to meet the management needs of living collections, herbaria, seed or DNA banks, and conservation projects. The modular software is intended not only for botanical gardens but also for institutions such as arboreta, universities, and conservation centers. It provides a set of interconnected modules, each dedicated to a specific process (acquisition, cultivation, taxonomic documentation, exchanges, etc.). Developed according to a philosophy of transparency, sustainability, and openness, the software adheres to open-source principles both technically and in terms of community. More than a management tool, it supports information sharing through the integrated DataShare Center, a platform for pooling nomenclatural references, conservation statuses, red lists, and regulatory data. This architecture enhances interoperability and aligns the software with international standards such as World Flora Online. The development roadmap is built collaboratively with user institutions, ensuring the software evolves in response to real operational needs and supports long-term sustainability. botalista.software is already in use in Switzerland, France, and Belgium, and its growing adoption reflects its ability to adapt to a range of institutional contexts. Supported by community-based governance, the software is maintained and developed by the Botalista association (https://botalista.community), which brings together users and coordinates the project. The public dissemination platform is accessible at https://botavista.com, in line with the project’s values of openness and collaboration.

ABSTRACT. Roma Capitale - Department of Environmental Protection - Directorate of Territorial, Environmental and Green Management and the Botanical Garden of Rome of Sapienza University have planned a project with the aim to conserve, reproduce and propagate the genome of the monumental and valuable trees of the city, transmitting this ancient plant heritage to next generations, according to criteria of sustainability and protection of nature. In July 2023, a collaboration agreement was signed between the afore mentioned institutions which allowed to start the propagation of some monumental specimens of Platanus orientalis L. of Villa Borghese. In March 2024 five clones have been obtained with agamic propagation techniques. This activity is part of a broader plan to protect and enhance this precious and delicate area that houses eleven specimens of oriental plane trees planted at the beginning of the 17th century by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. They are regarded as a unique urban concentration in Western Europe of arboreal elements from the 17th century, declared monumental following the issuing of the Law of the Lazio Region n.10/2013 and the Ministerial Decree 23/10/2014 “Census and protection of Monumental Trees”, which includes these plant patriarchs among the monumental trees of Italy, in a 'homogeneous group' in terms of age, size, ecological value and historical landscape value of its elements. This project is important to improve knowledge of the physiology and molecular mechanisms of rhizogenesis and relative applications, especially in the perspective of optimizing the vegetative propagation of species that are difficult to reproduce from seed without subsequent hybridization, in order to ensure the transmission of desirable genetic features (such as resistance to environmental stress, ornamental and historical value) and conserve valuable species such as Platanus orientalis, the object of study. This project also aims to deepen the history of the presence of this species in Italy; show a focus on the morphological and ecological characterization of the tree species analysed; finally, promote the exchange of information and knowledge about the propagation techniques most suitable for preserving the genome of monumental trees, to ensure conservation of the genetic heritage of valuable tree species, with a scientifically correct, historically founded and ecologically sustainable methodology.

ABSTRACT. As the European Health Union continues to take shape, it is vital to preserve the diversity of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs), along with their ethnic heritage, phytochemical research, and rational applications in medicine, pharmacy, phytotherapy, the food industry, cosmetics, and veterinary medicine. The Department of Medicinal Plants and the Scientific Collection of Medicinal Plants–Pharmacognostical Garden–was established in 1924 by Prof. Kazimieras Grybauskas in the Botanical Garden of the University of Lithuania (now Vytautas Magnus University) in central Lithuania. Over the decades, the research priorities and structure of the MAPs collections have evolved in response to the shifting economic and political landscape and institutional affiliations. These long-standing collections support complex, interdisciplinary research in phytochemistry, plant introduction, and public education. They also serve as a platform for national and international scientific collaboration through conferences, educational initiatives, and project-based activities. Recent scientific initiatives have extended to promoting MAPs cultivation in rural communities across Lithuania’s ethnographic regions, supported by the UN Programs. These satellite collections hold both cognitive–practical and scientific–educational value. In recognition of its fundamental and applied research contributions, the Department of Medicinal Plants at the Vytautas Magnus University Botanical Garden was admitted in 2024 as a member of Aromas Itinerarium Salutis (AIS)–the European Route of Historical Pharmacies and Medicinal Gardens, a certified Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.

ABSTRACT. The quality of life in cities is increasingly threatened by the climate emergency. Understanding the role of the green infrastructures in delivering regulatory ecosystem services represents critical challenges. Urban agriculture is a key component of the green infrastructures due to its inherent multifunctionality, including microclimate regulation and soil regeneration. In this context, urban vineyards are emerging as valuable land uses that contribute to the development of sustainable cities. Digital phenotyping (DP) refers to the use of digital tools and technologies to non-destructively and efficiently quantify plant traits, e.g. leaf functional traits related to the gas exchange, along with morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics. Understanding how climate variables—mainly temperature— influence vine growth is essential for optimizing the ecological functions of vineyards in regulating and supporting ecosystem services within urban environments. This study aimed to evaluate how native and non-native Italian cultivars of Vitis vinifera L. adapt to environmental stressors in urban settings, and how they maintain their ecological function based on growth habits and morphology. The research was conducted in the 2024–2025 seasons on the grapevine collection at the Botanical Garden of Rome. A set of grapevine varieties was selected to assess by non-destructive instruments leaf physiological parameters like chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic efficiency, and leaf reflectance signatures, from which vegetation indices related to plant vigour, nutritional status, and water availability were derived. Furthermore, leaf morphology was assessed using the image analysis software WinFOLIA®. Leaf morphology and physiology were evaluated in relation to multiple summer stress. DP generated a large dataset, enabling a functional classification of the grapevine collection not solely based on traditional phenological and morphological traits, but also incorporating their capacity to adapt to extreme abiotic stressors, preserving key physiological functions. The integration of digital morphological and physiological data provided comprehensive insights into adaptive mechanisms and stress resilience under changing climate. This highlights the critical role of Botanical gardens in identifying plant-based strategies for climate adaptation and strengthening their relevance as living laboratories for urban sustainability research.

ABSTRACT. Quercus lusitanica is an endemic shrub of the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. It shows ecological plasticity, occupying mid-successional scrublands in Mediterranean regions, and persisting in low-competition pioneer heathlands along the northern Atlantic fringe—where populations are highly fragmented, residual, and ecologically marginal. We used Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to assess current (1981–2010) and future (2011–2100) distribution patterns under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (ssp126, ssp370, ssp585) and five climate models from CHELSA v.2.1. Models integrated bioclimatic, edaphic, and topographic variables to characterize the species’ ecological niche. Variable importance analysis identified winter cold (BIO06) as the dominant constraint on species distribution, highlighting sensitivity to freezing thresholds. Precipitation seasonality (BIO15) and annual mean temperature (BIO01) followed, suggesting that Q. lusitanica favors thermally stable climates with moderated seasonal rainfall regimes. Soil pH showed a modest but consistent effect, aligning with its preference for acidic substrates. Topographic variables played a minor role, likely because the species predominantly occupies low-relief landscapes where such indices add limited ecological information. Projections indicate severe habitat loss in southern and interior Iberia, driven by aridity and thermal extremes. Simultaneously, gains are expected along the northwestern Atlantic coast, where milder future climates may support range expansion. These shifts also include selective inland advances, enabled by the attenuation of winter cold. However, these prospective refugia coincide with areas where current populations are already sparse and fragmented, posing challenges for connectivity and long-term persistence. This study offers a spatially explicit framework to identify future refugia and guide restoration efforts, helping secure the persistence of Q. lusitanica across its bioclimatic range.

ABSTRACT. The Mediterranean Basin is a global biodiversity hotspot, projected to host the highest percentage of urban land by 2030. While rich in native plant and animal species, Mediterranean urban areas face intense environmental pressures, including urbanization, land consumption, pollution, and summer aridity. These factors present unique challenges—and opportunities—for ecological restoration. This study explores the adaptability of the Miyawaki Method, a dense, fast-growing afforestation technique developed by Akira Miyawaki, in Mediterranean urban contexts. Although its success has been widely documented in tropical and temperate regions, its effectiveness in the Mediterranean—characterized by heat islands and biodiversity decline—remains underexplored. We established five rectangular pilot plots (200 m² each) using a standardized design: native shrub and tree species were planted at high density (400 seedlings per plot), selected based on phytosociological and bioclimatic criteria. An automated drip irrigation system ensured consistent water supply. The aim is to assess species performance, interspecific competition, and the formation of resilient, multilayered forest communities suited to urban Mediterranean conditions. The experimental design allows for the monitoring of interspecific interactions, species adaptability, and ecological processes such as competition and succession. Early results show encouraging plant establishment and initial growth despite harsh summer conditions, indicating the potential of this method to foster resilient vegetation communities in urban Mediterranean settings. Monitoring is planned over a five-year period to gather data on survival rates, growth dynamics, and optimal species assemblages. This initiative seeks to generate scientific evidence on the ecological viability of the Miyawaki Method in Southern European cities, contributing to biodiversity conservation, urban resilience, and the broader goal of sustainable urban forestation, emphasizes the role of Mediterranean cities not only as spaces of environmental degradation but also as laboratories for innovative reforestation strategies.

ABSTRACT. This teaching proposal targets initial teachers training in botanical gardens, with the goal of enhancing climate literacy through outdoor education. The proposal focuses on introducing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as effective tools for understanding key concepts related to climate change, its impacts, and the necessary mitigation and adaptation strategies. By leveraging plants as a didactic resource, the intervention engages future educators in experiential learning, where botanical gardens become living classrooms for climate education.

Participants will explore how plants play a vital role in addressing climate challenges, such as water scarcity, temperature regulation, human health and food availability, among others. Through a guided itinerary, future teachers will learn about the critical role that biodiversity plays in creating resilient ecosystems capable of adapting to climate change. By observing and interacting with plant species in botanical gardens, they will gain a deeper understanding of how biodiversity can act as natural buffer against environmental stressors like droughts, heatwaves, and soil degradation.

In addition to approaching the ecological functions of plants, the proposal emphasizes the importance of fostering climate-conscious thinking among participants. Teachers will deepen in climate literacy and develop strategies to incorporate sustainability in their future teaching, enabling them to guide their future students in recognizing the interconnectedness of nature, human activity, and the climate crisis. The intervention also highlights practical examples of how individuals and communities can act by adopting NbS to adapt and change environmental conditions.

This initiative empowers educators to explore climate change solutions through tangible, Mediterranean basin examples: Quercus ilex forests sequestering carbon, Lygeum spartum thriving in saline soils, and Sideritis chamaedryfolia reversing desertification. Botanical gardens, as living classrooms, demonstrate how Mediterranean plants regulate microclimates or secure food systems through salt-tolerant crops, and restore biodiversity through pollinator havens, exemplifying context-based ecosystem services.

ABSTRACT. Mediterranean forests are among the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change, where rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns threat vegetation. The findings of this study, which examined functional and structural vegetation data, provide a valuable contribution to the ongoing ecological restoration efforts within the framework of the LIFE PRIMED project. The study area, Palo Laziale, is a coastal forest and Site of Community Importance (SCI) where significant levels of tree mortality have been recorded, with approximately 40% of adult trees affected. This decline has been attributed to a biotic factor, Biscogniauxia mediterranea, which contributes to driving water stress oaks to death. The field measurements were focused on four dominant species: Quercus cerris, Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa, Phillyrea latifolia, and Pistacia lentiscus. For each, we measured key structural and functional parameters (diameter, height, Leaf Area Index, Specific Leaf Area) and estimated aboveground biomass and carbon stock using allometric models. Results confirmed a forest in active secondary succession indicating an optimal state of population regeneration, with a dominance of young individuals. Simultaneously, gas exchange measurements were conducted with the objective of developing a modified version of the biochemical model of photosynthesis from Farquhar and Caemmerer. This model was employed to simulate species-specific photosynthetic responses and water-use efficiency in the context of current and future climate scenarios. P. latifolia and F. oxycarpa exhibited a decline in net primary productivity when confronted with extreme climate projections. In contrast, Q. cerris and P. lentiscus demonstrated an increase in productivity. The integration of these results with structural and functional data made it possible to assess the performance of the examined species. In particular, Q. cerris shows good resilience to the climate stress conditions, making it a suitable candidate for reforestation initiatives. By integrating structural, functional, and physiological modelling data, this study enabled the identification of the primary species suitable for restoration initiatives, thus providing the basis for the collection of seedlings and seeds to support reforestation efforts.

ABSTRACT. An integrated ecological restoration and landscape management initiative is currently being implemented within the Natura 2000 site of the Monte Cairo Massif. This multi-faceted program combines scientific research, community involvement, and concrete field actions to address environmental degradation, restore native biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. The area, located in the Municipality of Terelle (FR), serves as a key pilot site for testing innovative and participatory conservation approaches supported by European, regional, and international collaborations. Among the most significant initiatives is the TOPIO project, which leverages geoinformatics, Earth Observation (EO) technologies, and citizen science to support participatory landscape monitoring and planning. The NewLIFE4BioIslands project focuses on developing and testing innovative solutions for water collection in arid and semi-arid areas, such as fog-harvesting systems based on polymer structures. In parallel, a cluster of high-biodiversity reforestation projects including Boschi per il Futuro, Riforestiamo Monte Cairo, and OSSIGENO promotes the use of native species to restore degraded forest ecosystems. These projects support the production and dissemination of local seed stock, foster forest resilience, mitigate climate change impacts, and actively involve local communities in ecological conservation. A strategic role in these efforts is played by the Botanical Garden of Rome, which serves as a key facility for the conservation of local plant genetic resources and as an operational hub for the propagation and experimental use of native species. The Garden contributes directly to reforestation activities, seed production, selection of suitable genetic material, and planting in ecologically degraded areas, providing concrete support for the ecological regeneration of Monte Cairo. These projects reflect the Municipality of Terelle’s commitment to sustainable landscape management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience through a mix of EU-funded, private, and regional initiatives.

ABSTRACT. Ex-situ in vivo conservation facilities such as botanical gardens play a crucial role in preventing the extinction of threatened plant species. This is particularly true when conditions allow for the recreation of habitats closely resembling the natural environments of target species. Cultivation in protected settings ensures the survival of native species while enabling their observation, study, and propagation. These actions are vital to support in-situ conservation, especially for species of high conservation value.

Within the framework of the LIFE Integrated Project “IMAGINE” (LIFE19 IPE/IT/000015), the Botanical Garden of the University of Perugia has established dedicated spaces for the conservation of four plant species listed in Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC): Himantoglossum adriaticum, Iris marsica, Ionopsidium savianum, and Klasea lycopifolia* (*priority species). After demographic surveys, individuals were sourced from natural donor populations. Seeds were collected, germinated, and transplanted into the garden. Dedicated flowerbeds were created, including reconstructions of Annex I habitat 6210*, using typical species to simulate their natural environment.

These living collections support long-term conservation goals, ensuring the survival of populations even in case of in-situ failure. They also serve as valuable seed sources for future reinforcements, with seeds stored in the DSA3 Germplasm Bank (FAO ITA_363). The presence of live specimens enables phenological and morphological observations, genetic studies, and, when feasible, nursery production for reintroduction efforts and public dissemination.

Furthermore, integrating these species into educational spaces such as schools and public gardens fosters biodiversity awareness and responsible behavior, while discouraging the use of alien species. Botanical gardens thus prove to be key players in plant conservation, education, and public engagement.

ABSTRACT. Hanbury Botanic Gardens (GBH), with the Germplasm bank, are partners of the LIFE20 Project NAT/IT/001468 - LIFE SEEDFORCE, using seed banks to restore and reinFORCE the endangered native plants of Italy, whose main objective is to improve the conservation status of species of European Union interest currently in unfavourable conditions, through propagation and translocation. GBH activities are focused on three species endemic to the Maritime and Ligurian Alps: Acis nicaeensis (Ardoino) Lledó, A.P.Davis & M.B.Crespo, Campanula sabatia De Not. and Gentiana ligustica R.Vilm. & Chopinet; all of them are listed in Appendix II and/or IV of Habitats Council Directive 92/43/EEC. For each species, in collaboration with the Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (CREA) of Sanremo, we assessed the germination capacity, developed specific protocols for in vitro propagation and produced new individuals for in situ translocations within six Special Area of Conservation SACs.

Data on the first translocations of Campanula sabatia and Acis nicaeensis are presented. Our results indicate a good propagation capacity for C. sabatia with about 1,600 individuals produced, and for A. nicaeensis with about 400 bulbs. Differently, G. ligustica showed poor capacity for germination and subsequent propagation. Currently, only252 seedlings are available in vitro.

Data on the first translocations of Campanula sabatia and Acis nicaeensis are presented.

ABSTRACT. Our contribution will introduce a forgotten Renaissance herbarium dated to 1595. This hortus siccus was recently found in the Muzeum Broumovska, Broumov (Braunau), Czech Republic, to which it came from the collections of the local Benedictine monastery. It turned out to be the oldest hortus siccus known in collections in the Czech Republic (Skružná et al. 2022). It was created by Johannes Brehe, a barber-surgeon from Überlingen near Lake Constance, Germany. In the context of other Renaissance herbaria, it is unique, as it contains handwritten notes on the medicinal use of plants – it thus represents an original distinct genre between a medical treatise and a collection of dried plants. In addition to vascular plants, we will also pay special attention to how mosses are presented in the herbarium. We will primarily focus on the medical aspect of the herbarium. Our aim is to uncover the sources that Brehe used in his work and to situate his text within the context of Renaissance materia medica, particularly the concept of determining the medicinal properties of plants based on their elemental composition, as well as other theories of the time. Furthermore, we will examine this text in relation to other components of the herbarium. Is there any correlation between the text and the accompanying illustrations of animals, landscapes, and other elements featured within the herbarium?

ABSTRACT. The Botanic Garden Nuova Gussonea is located at 1,700 m a.s.l., within the Natural Park of Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano of Europe. It had been set up in 1979, thanks to a convention between the General Direction of the Sicilian Forest Dept. and the University of Catania. With an area of about 10 ha, this garden is located in an area zone where the tree vegetation gets in contact with the high mountain vegetation belt. Its main aims are: conservation of the Etnean plant diversity, scientific research and permanent experimentation in the field of plant diversity, and education and sensibilization on the most crucial environmental topics. It is a very peculiar garden, being arranged according to a synecological criterion, where Etnean plants are set in plant communities as they can be found in the wild. As for example, Fagus sylvatica or Betula aetnensis or Quercus ilex dominated plant communities, etc. Particularly interesting is the Quercus suber-dominated plant communities, since this species is now almost extinct within the Etnean area. Moreover, the garden has a dendrological collection, with more than 100 Etnean woody species, a nursery and some flowerbeds. The garden area includes also a lava flow where different stages of the lava colonization process can be observed. Finally, an important building is represented by the refuge dedicated to Prof. Valerio Giacomini, who started the geobotanical school of the University of Catania and whose teachings are the basis for the organization of the NG Botanical Garden.