In the face of growing global biosecurity threats, botanic gardens in Australia and New Zealand stand at a critical juncture. As custodians of diverse and invaluable living collections, our institutions play a pivotal role in safeguarding plant biodiversity, which is increasingly under threat from invasive species, pests, and pathogens. This workshop will delve into the essential topic of biosecurity in botanic gardens, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to enhance our practices and procedures.
Biosecurity measures are vital to protect the integrity and sustainability of botanic gardens, which serve as repositories of rare, endangered, and economically important plant species. The spread of harmful organisms can have devastating impacts not only on the collections themselves but also on the broader ecosystem and agricultural landscapes. Effective biosecurity protocols are therefore imperative to prevent the introduction and spread of these threats.
In this workshop, we will explore the current biosecurity challenges facing botanic gardens in Australia and New Zealand, highlighting case studies and recent incidents that underscore the need for heightened vigilance and improved strategies. Participants will gain insights into the latest advancements in biosecurity science and technology, as well as practical approaches to implementing robust biosecurity frameworks.
Key topics will include risk assessment and management, early detection and rapid response mechanisms, and the importance of staff training and public awareness. Participants will be invited to complete a survey to identify biosecurity awareness amongst botanic gardens and inform development of future, policy, procedures and educational resources across the region.