The action plan sets out for botanic gardens in the EU more than 30 objectives on science and horticulture; heritage and culture; conservation of biodiversity; education, training and awareness; networking and co-operation; capacity building; and funding to implement the Action plan. Provides an EU wide framework and shared set of priorities. Defines a role for botanic gardens in the 21st century, with common agreed targets. Purpose is to provide a methodology for examining an institutional response: What is its mission, is it clearly understood and defined; what are its roles in botanical research, conservation, education and horticulture; can all staff be involved in the preparation of a response to the action plan.

INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY

A. SCIENCE AND HORTICULTURE
A1	Promote BGs as resource centres for scientific research.
A2	Facilitate access to scientific and horticultural information in BGs
A3	Consolidate BGs as major centres of taxonomy
A4	Consolidate BGs as research centres for identification, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
A5	Promote and consolidate BGs as major centres of horticultural expertise.
B. HERITAGE CULTURE AND TOURISM
B1	Seek recognition of the heritage value of BGs
B2	Raise awareness of the roles of BGs in European history, development of botany, hort. etc.
B3	Promote the importance of architectural heritage in European BGs
B4	Promote an appreciation of landscape and garden styles in BGs
B5	Recognise and promote botanic garden libraries, herbaria, museums in BGs
B6	Safeguard and document important artefacts, structures and collections of historical import.
B7	Promote BGs as important tourist attractions
C. CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
C1	Ensure in-situ conservation and assessment
C2	Develop management of ex-situ collections
C3	Develop management and analysis of data and information
C4	Ensure garden management that promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable use
C5	Implement and influence national and international biodiversity policies.
D. EDUCATION, TRAINING and AWARENESS
D1	Develop BGs as centres for environmental education
D2	Promote BGs to schools as centres for environmental education
D3	Promote BGs as resources for higher education and training
D4	Present information to the public in a variety of ways
D5	Promote BGs to the public as centres for information on plants
D6	Encourage public debate about issues relating to plants
D7	Ensure that the garden's message is clear and consistent
D8	Raise the status of education
E. NETWORKING and CO-OPERATION
E1	Develop a network for scientific research and horticultural activities
E2	Develop an strengthen networks to improve conservation of diversity
E3	Develop and strengthen national networks to improve education by BGs
E4	Develop closer networking to promote staff training in BGs
E5	Participate in and form local networks
E6	Work together internationally
E7	Develop an efficient network
F. CAPACITY BUILDING
F1	Build effective management of resources
F2	Improve and develop staff skills and training
F3	Build and implement a policy on collaboration to assist BG capacity
FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT THE ACTION PLAN
BIBLIOGRAPHY