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Fortuitous Alignment: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Sustainable Development Goals

Author

Listed:
  • Carly R. Cowell

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK)

  • Leigh-Anne Bullough

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK)

  • Sonia Dhanda

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK
    Department of Anthropology, University College London, London WC1H OBW, UK)

  • Vicki Harrison Neves

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK)

  • Ed Ikin

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK)

  • Jessica Moore

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK)

  • Rachel Purdon

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK)

  • China Williams

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK)

  • Julia Willison

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK)

  • Sharon J. Willoughby

    (Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London TW9 3AE, UK)

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are aimed at improving human well-being at a global scale, whilst enhancing and preserving global biodiversity. Recently, botanic gardens worldwide have become more conservation focused, and gardens are increasingly influential in scientific roles that address both biodiversity loss and human well-being—particularly in urban areas. As the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Kew) launched its new Manifesto for Change in 2021, this paper outlines how the organisation currently contributes to the SDGs and examines where the work of botanic gardens can have the biggest impact. This paper focuses on the use of policy engagement, education and outreach, and scientific research to document Kew’s contribution to the goals so far, both in the UK and elsewhere. The SDGs address high level global objectives, many of which are not directly relatable to the activities of a single organisation. Kew’s approach to this challenge is to seek out the intention of the Goals by interrogating their subsidiary Targets. We then translate the intention of any given SDG into actions that are meaningful to our specific practice. Many of RBG Kew’s existing projects and programmes address the SDGs and we are aligning our aims with them more closely still.

Suggested Citation

  • Carly R. Cowell & Leigh-Anne Bullough & Sonia Dhanda & Vicki Harrison Neves & Ed Ikin & Jessica Moore & Rachel Purdon & China Williams & Julia Willison & Sharon J. Willoughby, 2022. "Fortuitous Alignment: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:2366-:d:753150
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Natalya Ivanova & Ekaterina Zolotova, 2023. "Landolt Indicator Values in Modern Research: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-22, June.
    2. Adriana Lopez-Villalobos & Dionne Bunsha & Delanie Austin & Laura Caddy & Jennifer Douglas & Andy Hill & Kevin Kubeck & Patrick Lewis & Ben Stormes & Ryo Sugiyama & Tara Moreau, 2022. "Aligning to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Assessing Contributions of UBC Botanical Garden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-19, May.
    3. Élan R. Alford & Sam Hoadley & Caroline R. Fazzini & Laura K. Reilly & Amy Highland & Ellen C. Lake & Jeffrey A. Downing, 2022. "Applying United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Mt. Cuba Center Gardens with Native Plants and Grows Conservators," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-16, May.

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