International recognition for the University Gardens
The University Gardens have received official accreditation from Botanic Gardens Conservation International as conforming to the highest international standards.
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“We are proud to have received this recognition, confirming the international importance of the gardens, the collections, and the work we do with them, says Heidi Lie Andersen at the University Gardens.
One of 60 worldwide
The University Museum of Bergen’s University Gardens (the Museum garden, Botanical garden, and Arboretum), have become one of just 60 botanical gardens worldwide officially accredited by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), as conforming to the highest international standards. Other accredited gardens include the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Missouri Botanical Garden, and the botanical gardens of the universities of Cambridge, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Oslo.
The gardens have been a safe haven for the public during the corona crisis, with record numbers of visitors. In just five weeks, 9000 visitors went through the gates to the botanical garden, and for all the Norwegian tourists that we expect during the summer we have planned a rich and interesting programme of garden tours (https://www.uib.no/universitetshagene/136873/sommervandringer-i-universitetshagene).
More than just a garden
Botanical gardens are centres of excellence in botanical research, conservation, and education. The collections are documented and curated by specialist scientific staff following international regulations, and they are open to the visiting public. Accreditation by BGCI means recognition of the University Gardens’ excellence under criteria encompassing leadership, collections management, horticulture, public education, community/cultural activities, conservation actions, scientific research, staff, networking and sustainability. We are proud of this achievement and look forward to building on it into the future.