OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
The 4th Global Botanic Gardens Congress - 13 to 18th June 2010
Monday 14th June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
The 4th Global Botanic Gardens Congress was officially opened this morning, June 14th, by An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen TD.
Speaking at the opening in the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, An Taoiseach said "We are very proud not only to have the National Botanic Gardens honoured as host of the Congress, but also to have the opportunity to welcome such a prestigious group of scientists and environmental leaders to Ireland, many of you for the first time. I would like to congratulate the Congress’s international partner organisation, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), which has worked so hard and so closely with our staff at the National Botanic Gardens to deliver this Congress. I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Mr Bertie Ahern TD, who as a local representative, Minister and Taoiseach, has given his sustained support to this project and retains a strong personal interest and involvement in the National Botanic Gardens up to the present time."
Also present at the official opening was Dr. Martin Mansergh, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), who said "We are extremely pleased to host this Congress, which has grown to become the premier international event for botanic gardens, held every three years, and also to have the opportunity to showcase the major redevelopment and restoration of the National Botanic Gardens since 1992."
Background to the Congress
In 2007 the National Botanic Gardens was awarded the opportunity to host the 4th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in June 2010. This is the premier international event for botanic gardens, held every three years. The last Congress was held in Wuhan, China in 2007. Previous world congresses have been held in Barcelona, North Carolina, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, etc. This will be the first time that the congress has come to northern Europe. It is a considerable achievement for Ireland to have been awarded this congress for which there was stiff competition (notably from Singapore and Sydney).
In addition, 2010 has been designated by the United Nations as ‘International Year of Biodiversity’, and the Congress has been recognized as one of the 'flagship' events of the year by the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity. The Executive Secretary of this U.N. Convention will speak at the Congress.
The Congress in Dublin marks an outstanding way to showcase the National Botanic Gardens and its national and international contributions. It also celebrates the redevelopment and rejuvenation of the Gardens by the Office of Public Works undertaken since the publication of its Management Plan in 1992. Much of the restoration of the fabric of the Gardens outlined in the Plan will have been completed by 2010.
This will be the largest international meeting or event ever held by the Gardens during its 215 year history. Between 400 and 500 delegates are expected to attend from about 75 countries. Participation includes the directors of most of the world’s major gardens, many of whom have already confirmed their participation as speakers. So far, bookings have been received from delegates representing 56 countries.
In the 1800s the National Botanic Gardens was regarded as one of the best and most prestigious botanic gardens in the world, ranked alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and Edinburgh as a sister garden. Recent work in rejuvenating the Gardens has resulted in a massive increase in visitor numbers (currently c.600,000 p.a.) and a much-enhanced national and international profile. This Congress will play a key part in re-establishing the reputation and standing of the Gardens at all levels.
The Congress is being organized by the National Botanic Gardens, Office of Public Works and the international botanic garden network body, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).
The Congress will be held over a six-day period, opening on Monday morning 14th June and will include several days of plenary lectures, parallel sessions, symposia, workshops and other meetings. In all 130 speakers have been confirmed, included in 21 symposia.
The Congress will be held at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin.
Amongst the VIPs who have already confirmed their attendance are:
· HRH Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan
· Dr Ahmed Djoglaf, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity
· Baroness Joan Walmsley, Chair of Botanic Gardens Conservation International
· Dr Peter Raven, Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden, St Louis, U.S.A.
· Professor Steve Hopper, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
· Professor Steve Blackmore, Director of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Ends.
For further information contact:-
Dr Peter Wyse Jackson, Director, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin (01) 804 0300
Neil Ryan, OPW Press Officer, (046) 942 6128 or (087) 947 5552.