Sri Lanka Attends the 08th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in Singapore
The 08th Global Botanic Gardens Congress took place at the Suntec Convention Center in Singapore from 06 to 08 August with the theme “Botanical Gardens People and Humanity for a Sustainable Future”.
Approximately 900 participants from 75 countries, including botanic garden officials, governmental and non-governmental representatives, researchers, postgraduate students, and journalists attended the event. The Singapore Botanic Garden, in partnership with Botanic Garden International, organized the Conference. This Congress marked the first time it was held in the Southeast Asia region.
The Conference featured scientific and experimental presentations focusing on topics such as biodiversity degradation, climate change effects, and the roles of botanic gardens. Prof. Kapila Yakandawala from Wayamba University, Senior Prof. Deepthi Yakandawala from the University of Peradeniya, and Dr. Achala Attanayake, Director (Technology and Research) of Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, represented Sri Lanka and delivered their presentations.
During his presentation, Prof. Kapila Yakandawala discussed the “kalugala ketala” plant found in the Agalawatta area as one of the best vines for growth inside buildings, especially in urban areas with concrete construction, to help reduce urban heat. Prof. Deepthi Yakandawala talked about the “kekatiya” plant, an endemic variety found only in Horton Plains, and the “kudalu” plant, conserved in Horton Plains and the Nuwara Eliya area. Dr. Achala Ekanayake presented on the role of botanic gardens in controlling plant weeds.
Sri Lankan researchers also met with the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, Senarath Dissanayake, to discuss potential collaborations between the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Garden and the National Botanic Garden of Singapore. They also explored the possibility of receiving assistance from Singapore for urban greening research in Sri Lanka.
The ‘Singapore Garden Festival’ coincided with the 8th Global Botanic Garden Conference.
The 08th Global Botanic Gardens Congress took place in Singapore with 900 delegates from 75 countries discussing the theme “Botanical Gardens People and Humanity for a Sustainable Future.” The conference focused on biodiversity degradation, climate change, and the role of botanic gardens. Sri Lankan researchers presented on plants like “kalugala ketala,” “kekatiya,” and “kudalu.” Discussions were held with the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore to develop collaborations between botanic gardens in both countries. The possibility of receiving assistance from Singapore for urban greening research in Sri Lanka was also explored. The event also included the Singapore Garden Festival.
