Open AccessCreating a biophilic Wales: increasing the health and wellbeing of people, biodiversity and the environment
Author(s) -
Natasha de Vere
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
sibbaldia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2513-9231
DOI - 10.24823/sibbaldia.2021.314
Subject(s) - sustainability , biodiversity , ecosystem services , work (physics) , environmental planning , wildlife , welsh , geography , environmental resource management , sociology , political science , ecology , ecosystem , engineering , biology , mechanical engineering , environmental science , archaeology
The National Botanic Garden of Wales (NBGW) is dedicated to the research and conservation of biodiversity, sustainability, lifelong learning and the enjoyment of our visitors. NBGW’s Conservation and Research programme includes four major themes: ‘Saving Plants and Fungi’, ‘Saving Pollinators’, ‘International Conservation and Research’ and ‘Science and Society’. This article describes some of NBGW’s activities in three of these core areas, focusing on our work within Wales. 1. Conserving and understanding Welsh plants, fungi and habitats. 2. Conserving pollinating insects and understanding pollinator ecosystem services. 3. Understanding and promoting the importance of plants and gardens for the health and wellbeing of people, wildlife and the environment. NBGW takes a multi-disciplinary approach that involves research, education, engagement, advocacy and direct conservation action. We aim to create a Biophilic Wales by increasing our understanding of the natural world and inspiring people to protect it. Wales is used as a study system to develop models that can applied throughout the world.