U.S. Action Plan for Plant Conservation:
Adapting and Implementing the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation for Botanic Gardens
U.S. Action Plan for Plant Conservation:
Adapting and Implementing the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation for Botanic Gardens
The American Public Gardens Association, Botanic Gardens Conservation International–US, the Center for Plant Conservation and the United States Botanic Garden are leading the development of the U.S. Action Plan for Plant Conservation, an initiative to adapt and implement the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) within the U.S. botanic garden community.
The following actions have been identified as the highest priorities for U.S. botanic gardens based on a survey distributed to over 200 botanic garden professionals. These form the basis of six working groups.
Data Tools for Mainstreaming Plant Conservation
Leads: Dustin Wolkis and Rebecca Sucher
Ecological Restoration
Leads: Mauricio Diazgranado and Chad Washburn
Government Relations, Engagement and Policy
Leads: Leah Oliver and Karen Magid
Innovative Funding Solutions for Plant Conservation
Leads: Murphy Westwood and Ari Novy
Native Plant Use in Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Leads: Rebecca Hufft and Aaron David
Plant Species & Genetic Diversity Conservation
Leads: Naomi Fraga and Matthew Albrecht
Working Groups are actively developing draft contributions to the U.S. Action Plan for Plant Conservation, aligned with the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (2020–2030). The objective of this work is to arrive at the October 2026 Summit with well-developed proposals that can be discussed, refined, and collectively endorsed.
The Summit is open to anyone interested in contributing to the development of the Action Plan. Whether or not you are serving on a Working Group, we encourage you to attend and participate in the discussions that will help shape the final Plan.
Pledge of Collaboration for Plant Conservation
We, the leaders of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International U.S., the American Public Gardens Association, and the Center for Plant Conservation, unite in recognizing that these are pivotal and challenging times for the future of plants and the people who depend on them.
We affirm that:
Collaboration is essential — By sharing expertise, resources, and data, we can accelerate conservation outcomes beyond what any one organization can achieve alone.
Science must guide our actions — Our strategies will be grounded in the best available evidence, with a commitment to transparency and open exchange of information.
Diversity strengthens conservation — We will embrace diverse perspectives, disciplines, and communities in our work, knowing that inclusive collaboration leads to more durable solutions.
Urgency demands unity — The threats facing plants and ecosystems require timely, coordinated responses that transcend institutional boundaries.
Therefore, we pledge to:
Maintain open and regular communication between our organizations.
Coordinate efforts to avoid duplication and amplify impact.
Seek joint opportunities for advocacy, funding, and public engagement.
Hold ourselves accountable to measurable, shared conservation goals.
Membership consists of representatives from United States botanic gardens and partner organizations.
Expectations:
Commit to a shared goal to advance the coordination and impact of plant conservation actions through US botanic gardens.
Share data and information both within the Working Groups and with the Steering Committee
Align activities with the Steering Committee and other Working Groups as appropriate.
Strive to achieve consensus and build relationships within the Working Group
Participate in at least one annual meeting.
Bring substantive updates to the Steering Committee during meetings.
Commit to a minimum two-year term where possible.
Actively contribute to at least one working group.
Together, we commit to standing as a united voice for plant conservation, ensuring that even in trying times, we remain focused on hope, action, and lasting change. By signing, you are indicating that you are interested in joining the US Action Plan Committee. Approvals are completed by the Steering Committee.
If you or your organization are interested in staying informed or participating in a working group, please contact usactionplan@bgcius.org