10/11/2016 2:11:35 PM

Preserve staff recently traveled to Panama for the ‘Botanical Bridges’ Conference hosted by the Caribbean and Central American Botanical Garden Network (CCABGN) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). Over 64 botanical professionals representing 18 countries from across the region attended the conference to discuss the core issues affecting botanic gardens. All sessions were simultaneously translated for English and Spanish speakers.

The meeting opened on September 19, 2016 at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama City with a welcome address from the Panama City Mayor and a keynote address from Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson, director of Missouri Botanic Garden. Dr. Jackson discussed the challenges facing botanical institutions in the 21st century and in his talk urged participants make the connection between their plant conservation mission and the broader issues facing the global community such as climate change, human health and food security.

Throughout the week attendees presented on the specific challenges and successes experienced at their own institutions. Dr. Ethan Freid, resident botanist at the Levy Preserve presented on efforts to collect and propagate Bahamian native and endemic plants for conservation at the site. Breakout sessions allowed for smaller groups to share on topics ranging from funding to education and training. Representatives from Missouri Botanic Gardens led a training workshop on best practices for maintaining plant records. The week wrapped up with participants developing an action plant to make the Caribbean and Central American Botanical Garden Network more sustainable with effective partnerships and lasting impact in the region. 

Conference participants at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama City 
Left to right: Steve Sarner, Jardin Botanico Arco Luna; Chad Washburn, Naples Botanical Garden (NBG); Kent Kyle, NBG; Neville Evans, The Caribbean & Central American Botanic Garden Network; Katherine O’Donnell, Botanical Gardens Conservation International; Falon Cartwright, Levy Preserve; Dave Janas, Horticulturist; Britt Patterson-Weber, NBG
Falon Cartwright, Preserve Manager, (centre) with Rudy Aguilar (left) and Joshua Mai (Right) of Belize Botanic Gardens
Conference participants on the last day of the conference, inspired to build a sustainable network.
Levy Preserve