THE IMPORTANCE OF BOTANICAL GARDENS

Abstract

The botanical garden in today's world occupies an important place when it comes to the social aspect. It represents a place of education and psychological well-being when the human population is faced with great psychological pressures. As a scientific and research institution, it provides knowledge in several areas and the possibility to preserve biodiversity as effectively as possible. This study aimed to investigate roles that botanical gardens have in today's world and in what ways they fulfill them. The results obtained revealed that their roles not only in research and education, but also sustainable development, the social aspect that includes various programs and actions, participation in the food production process and the assessment of the conservation of plant species and the creation of collections. Due to the increasingly current global problem of preserving ecosystems as well as great poverty and hunger, it is undeniable that botanical gardens will gain even greater importance in the future. Programs implemented within the local community can be directed towards the creation of mini botanical gardens. In this way, in addition to fulfilling the already mentioned roles, they can also participate in nutrition, creating new opportunities for food production for the human growing population.