Meise Botanic Garden makes a difference around the world in the area of biodiversity

14/06/2019

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is a non-profit organisation that brings together around 2,000 botanic gardens around the world in a network, to maintain plant diversity

It is effectively the leading international reference in this field. Following an anonymous audit by a team of experts, the BCGI has officially designated Meise Botanic Garden as an Advanced Conservation Practitioner for its distinctive biodiversity value.

This accreditation is the result of an in-depth examination of various aspects: the conservation value of the living collections, the scientific research, the training and level of specialisation of the staff, the efforts made to educate and raise awareness, the observance of international conventions, etc.

Here are some impressive figures that back up the experts' decision. Meise is the only botanic garden to have fully 1,079 plant species in its collection. A further 3,227 species are housed in fewer than 5 gardens around the world. 285 species are endangered worldwide, of which 6 are only protected in Meise, and 39 at most in 5 other gardens. Moreover, Meise stores hundreds of endangered species in its seed bank.

These superlatives put Meise in the select club of 12 exceptional botanic gardens in total, in addition to 8 in the United States, 2 in the United Kingdom and 1 in Australia. An achievement to be justifiably proud of.