build up capacity
International connections Patrick Courtney Manager Horticultural Development
B
otanic gardens play a vital role in supporting biodiversity on a global scale, protecting vulnerable plant species from the recognised threats of climate change, land degradation and desertification. Kings Park has developed global partnerships which focus on environmental, conservation and restoration outcomes and horticultural programs. Since 2008, extension programs have occurred in the Middle East, working with governments and industry in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and most recently, Malawi. Kings Park has worked closely with international groups to increase local capacity through:
Strategic planning meeting ‘Saudi style’. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Director General Mark Webb (grey cap) in discussion with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City management team. Photo: Ben Miller
• training and skilling; • technology transfer; • infrastructure development; and • institutional advancement. Major initiatives include: • Greening strategies for major urban parks and reserves. • Design and development of a dedicated seedbank facility for native species. • Dedicated seed collection programs. • Technology and infrastructure development for nursery production system. • Staff training and skilling programs. International initiatives and opportunities for Kings Park include advising and developing: • new dedicated native plant nurseries for high volume production; • large-scale environmental plantings; • the advancement of natural area resource planning; and • native species for urban or rural horticulture.
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Installation of restoration trial, Thumama Nature Park, January 2013. Photo: Patrick Courtney
Saudi Arabia, Middle East Kings Park partnered with the Regional Government, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) in Saudi Arabia, which is responsible for the development of Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia, and the surrounding region. The Riyadh region includes extensive natural areas that are under threat from human disturbances. There is increasing pressure from overgrazing, firewood collection, camping and loss of habitat. The
For People & Plants | Special Issue | Spring 2021
economic and environmental values of these natural areas to the people of the region are being protected through the commitment of the RCRC to the conservation and management of these natural resources. Kings Park leads a multidisciplinary, international team to provide strategic direction to RCRC in implementing a plan that involves all stakeholders and the broader community. Kings Park helped to develop planning initiatives that focused on nature conservation strategies for the Riyadh region including the development of significant parks.
