Kingsville, MO - On October 10, 2024, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released a statement acknowledging the vital contributions of botanical gardens, zoos, and aquariums in plant and wildlife conservation. IUCN is a membership union composed of both government and civil society organizations. It is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.

Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President, said: “The IUCN Species Survival Commission Position Statement on the Role of Botanic Gardens, Aquariums, and Zoos in Species Conservation recognizes the leading role that these organizations already play in the science and practice of conservation, and invites others to reach their full potential.”

Read the full statement here.

As a non-profit botanical garden, Powell Gardens is glad to have the support of the IUCN. The conservation of native plants and landscapes, as well as the conservation of other plants in our collections, continues to be vital to the mission and work of Kansas City’s botanical garden. Our botanical garden plays a role in both ex situ and in situ conservation efforts. Powell Gardens’ conservation efforts extend to collection safeguarding, land stewardship, ecological restoration, research, education, community engagement, and giving access to nature-based experiences for our community.

You can learn more about conservation at Powell Gardens in regard to regenerative agriculture, Ona’s Prairie, our living collections, and more online at powellgardens.org.