Funding to Implement the Action Plan
Chapter contributed by Peter Wyse Jackson

Botanic gardens are funded from a range of sources. Traditionally, most have been funded primarily by national, regional and local governments, municipal authorities and university administrations. Most still rely on such support, but botanic gardens everywhere are increasingly expected to raise more of their own resources, not only for special projects, but also for basic running costs. Many botanic gardens are administered by trusts, private or semi-private charitable and educational foundations or similar authorities, with varying degrees of independence. These boards are often developed in direct response to the growing need for private funding.

Fund-raising strategies to implement the Action Plan If EU botanic gardens are to achieve the objectives in this Action Plan, new sources of finding need to be found (see Box 16). Many gardens need to increase their funds to fulfil their roles as centres of taxonomy, identification, biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, horticulture, education and tourism. Substantial investment is required to strengthen infrastructure and build capacity for taking on new initiatives.

In responding to this Action Plan, institutions will need to decide which parts they can implement, and develop specific policies to do so. It is recommended that, to support this work, each institution should develop its own fund-raising strategy, including an estimate of the potential costs involved in undertaking any proposed action on biodiversity conservation or environmental education. An effective strategy should also establish clear targets and measures for evaluating the success of fund-raising efforts, as well as some fall-back options in case particular targets are not reached.

A sound financial plan should explore fund-raising opportunities in a variety of funding areas. In general, botanic gardens that receive funding from diverse sources are less vulnerable to changing political and economic circumstances than institutions supported by a single source.

BOX 16 Some potential sources of funds and other resources to support development and special projects in botanic gardens

Domestic government programmes supporting the implementation of the CBD, CITES, Agenda 21, and other international instruments International governmental organisations and agencies, such as those of the United Nations, the World Bank and the Commission of the European Union International non-governmental agencies, such as WWF and IUCN-The World Conservation Union National or international private charitable trusts and foundations Special public appeals Contributions and sponsorship from commercial companies Local support groups, such as a Friends of Botanic Gardens, and associated volunteer programmes Legacies and other planned gifts from individuals and families Earned income or enterprise operations, such as entrance fees, retail sales, commercial outlets, facility rentals, special events, training courses, consultancies and contracts