Establishing University Botanical Gardens:: a Model Plan from Swaziland

The world has recognized, through the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the serious environmental implications of the erosion of biodiversity on the future of the life of mankind in this planet. This Convention effectively started functioning in 1993. However it was opened for signature at The United Nations Convention on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 1992. The CBD was inspired by the world community?s growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources. Botanic Gardens play an important role in achieving the aims of the CBD, Botanic Garden?s collections and application of their skills in areas such as taxonomy, botanical research, conservation, propagation and cultivation contribute significantly to the implementation of the CBD. Swaziland ratified to the CBD and this project looks at the development of the first University Botanic Garden in the country.