The 08th Global Botanic Gardens Congress was held in Suntec Convention Center, Singapore from 06th to 08th August under the theme “Botanical Gardens People and Humanity for a Sustainable Future”.
Around 900 delegates representing 75 countries, including botanic garden officials, governmental and non-governmental representatives, researchers, postgraduate students and journalists participated at the event. The Singapore Botanic Garden, in collaboration with Botanic Garden International, organised the conference. This is the first time the congress was held in the Southeast Asia region.
Scientific and experimental presentations were made at the conference focusing on biodiversity degradation, climate change effects and the roles of botanic gardens. Prof. Kapila Yakandawala of Wayamba University, Senior Prof. Deepthi Yakandawala of the University of Peradeniya, and Dr. Achala Attanayake, Director (Technology and Research) of Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, participated and made their presentations representing Sri Lanka
In his presentation, Prof.Kapila Yakandawala discussed the conservation of the “Kalugala Ketala” plant found in the Agalawatta area and the most suitable vines that can be grown inside the buildings, especially in the construction areas, to reduce the urban heat island effect, while Prof.Deepthi Yakandawala made a presentation on the “Kekatiya” plant, which is a Sri Lankan endemic variety only available in Horton Plains, and the “Kudalu” plant conserved in Horton Plains and Nuwara Eliya area, respectively. Dr.Achala Attanayake made a presentation on the contribution of botanic gardens to controlling the extinction of plants.
The Sri Lankan researchers met the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, Senarath Dissanayake and discussed the action to be taken to develop collaborations between the Peradeniya Royal Botanic and the National Botanic Garden of Singapore. Further, attention was also drawn on the possibility of getting assistance from Singapore for urban greening research in Sri Lanka.
A Singapore Garden Festival was also held in conjunction with the 8th Global Botanic Garden Conference.
14th August 2024
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