Decolonizing Botanical Gardens: A Fresh Perspective! #Sciencefather#researchawards #professor

 

Botanical gardens have long been celebrated as centers for plant conservation, education, and recreation. But behind their serene paths and lush greenery lies a complex colonial history that is increasingly being called into question. Many of the world’s most renowned botanical gardens were established during colonial times as tools for empire-building, plant extraction, and the scientific classification of flora from colonized lands. Today, calls to decolonize these institutions are growing louder, urging a reevaluation of their roles, narratives, and collections.

Decolonization, in this context, means more than just acknowledging colonial histories—it involves actively reshaping how botanical knowledge is presented and whose voices are heard. Many plant specimens were collected without consent from indigenous communities, often stripping away traditional knowledge systems. A decolonized approach seeks to recognize and reintegrate indigenous and local perspectives, presenting plants not merely as scientific objects, but as elements deeply woven into cultural identity and traditional ecological knowledge.

One way to start this transformation is by reinterpreting signage and exhibits to include indigenous names, uses, and stories associated with the plants. Botanical gardens can also form partnerships with local communities and knowledge keepers to co-create educational programs and displays. This not only enriches public understanding but helps restore agency to those whose knowledge was historically marginalized or erased.

Moreover, decolonization must extend to staffing and governance structures. Including indigenous scholars, horticulturists, and community representatives in leadership and decision-making processes can ensure more equitable and inclusive operations. Gardens should also revisit their collecting practices, emphasizing ethical sourcing, transparency, and reparative actions when appropriate.

In essence, decolonizing botanical gardens is about shifting from a narrative of control and exploitation to one of respect, reciprocity, and justice. It's a call to root our relationship with plants not just in science, but in solidarity with the communities and ecosystems from which they come. As we walk through these living museums, let us do so with a renewed awareness of the past—and a commitment to a more inclusive and ethical future.