The botanical garden of the University of Ljubljana included in the top seven botanical gardens in the world

The Botanical Garden of the University of Ljubljana forms an integral part of the group, consisting of seven gardens around the globe, that was the first to receive the accreditation of the Botanic Garden Conservation International – BGCI. This accreditation confirms that the garden complies with strict requirements that apply to botanical gardens.

10 of 3,500 botanical gardens in the world, including the Botanical Garden of the University of Ljubljana (UL), were chosen to participate in the first ever accreditation procedure. Seven of the ten gardens, including ours, successfully passed the exigent accreditation process.

Upon receiving the accreditation, Jože Bavcon, the Head of the Botanical Garden of the University of Ljubljana, stated the following: “The fact that our botanical garden has received an accreditation from the BGCI means a lot to us. It is another sign of recognition for our work which includes garden management, plant conservation, as well as our scientific endeavours. This accreditation confirms that we are following the right path in pursuing the global strategy of botanical gardens in regard to plant conservation.”

The Botanic Garden Conservation International established these accreditations in order to enable enhanced recognition of the meaning and the role of botanical gardens, to recognise the characteristics separating them from other gardens, to maintain the comparability of standards of excellence, and to facilitate the provision of funds necessary for the functioning of BGCI-accredited botanical gardens. 

The Botanical Garden of the University of Ljubljana is a part of the Department of Biology of the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. It is also the oldest continuously functioning cultural, scientific, and educational institution in Slovenia. When the Botanical Garden was created, it was called the Homeland Flora Garden. When it joined the University of Ljubljana in 1920, it was subject to a complete makeover. Nowadays, it stretches over three hectares; for many townsfolk and visitors, it represents an irreplaceable space to rest or to stroll through, but also plays a vital role in educating the general public about the meaning of plants and implementing of projects with a social benefit.

Novice