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The Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

Introduction to Grant Projects

Japan Association of Botanical Gardens

Public lecture series on sustainable environmental conservation for botanical gardens

Activity grant

Project Description

Many types of plants are becoming endangered because of the negative effects of global climate change, and measures for protecting important species are being sought worldwide. Japanese botanical gardens in particular play an important role in leading public opinion towards the conservation of plant diversity. In order to make the wider public aware of the importance of plant diversity and deepen their understanding of conservation activities, it is crucial to first of all inform them of the fascinating and useful aspects of these plants and increase their interest. This project will provide botanical gardens and regional organizations with the means and materials to conduct educational sessions on conservation and plants for the general public. Specifically, this will involve creating an educational program (including materials such as DVDs and PowerPoint presentations) on the role plants play in human activity (clothing, food, and shelter) and their conservation, dispatching lecturers to botanical gardens, and supporting public lectures in each region. The results of these efforts will be compiled and analysed at a national conference.

Fields
Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem
Grant year
FY2007 Activity Grants
Grant term
3 years
April 2008 - March 2011
Grant amount
7,000,000 yen
Activity region
Across Japan
A workshop for children held at a botanical garden

Overview of the Organization

Susumu Kitanaka, Chairman
Representative
Susumu Kitanaka, Chairman
Establishment
1947
Establishment purpose
The Japan Association of Botanical Gardens was established to contribute to the promotion and development of botanical gardens and equivalent facilities by collecting research and literature produced by member researchers, sharing knowledge, and fostering close contact, friendships and partnerships between members and related organizations.
Main areas of activity
Botanical gardens across Japan and their surrounding areas
Staff
1 full-time staff member, 115 full members
Annual operating budget
28.02 million yen in 2005, 34.00 million yen in 2006, 56.12 million yen in 2007
WEB site
http://syokubutsuen-kyokai.jp/
Recent activities
Main activities include establishing botanical gardens and equivalent facilities, collecting research and literature, holding research seminars, lectures, collection meets and exhibitions, issuing reports and other materials, collecting plants and exchanging seeds and seedlings with overseas gardens, recognizing individuals doing distinguished work in the botanical garden field, and collaborating with museum-related organizations. In recent years botanical gardens have become key facilities in responding to the demand from society for the conservation of nature and biodiversity, and the association has been actively bringing together the capabilities of gardens across the country to implement a range of initiatives, such as holding a travelling exhibition on endangered plant species, participating in conservation activities led by public organizations, collecting and preserving endangered plant species, and raising awareness regarding natural stewardship.