Our podcast’s creator, Pasha, is launching the series “Why We Need,” and the first episode focuses on why we should have botanical gardens. Botanical gardens are devoted to the cultivation, collection as well as pre, preservation as well, and display of plant species. They are found all over the world and comprise between 30% and 40% of identified plant species. They not only have records of collections of plants, but they also conduct research and aid in conservation and education. They’re a great resource for those who are interested in the subject.

But they also carry risks. Botanical gardens could be home to alien species of pests, plants, and pathogens. Invasive species can be established in the garden and extend to other environments. It is essential for anyone visiting botanical gardens to adhere to the rules to ensure they don’t spread any species that could be invasive.

Today’s episode of Pasha, Trudy Paap, and Mesfin Wondafrash Gossa discuss the advantages of botanical gardens and also the risks to biosecurity.

Photo:

“Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, the garden is host to thousands of plant and animal species.” By Quality Master found on Shutterstock

music: “Happy African Village” by John Bartmann, found on FreeMusicArchive.org, licensed under the CC0 1.

“Expressions of the mind (Piano loop)” by ShadyDave, available on Free Sound licensed under an A.N.C.L. Attribution License.