ABSTRACT
Botanical gardens are institutions holding in situ and ex situ collections of plant species of national and international importance for the purpose of research, education and recreation. The role of botanical gardens in collection, cultivation, preservation and display of plants is more important than ever in present era of rapid loss of biodiversity, and as such importance of botanical gardens is recognized and emphasis has been given to establishment and networking of botanical gardens at national and international levels. The first ever botanical garden of Nepal was established in 1962 as a National Botanical Garden which is also a member of Botanic Gardens Conservation International. Altogether 12 botanical gardens are spread over different ecoregions of Nepal conserving some valuable plant species from conservation and economic perspectives. Attempts to establish gardens in the country are increasing as provincial and local governments are also mandated to do so, but lack of technical knowhow and knowledge to select the proper species could hamper the proper development. Therefore, extension of networks of botanical gardens in the country should be continued with trained human resources, international networking and collaboration with botanical gardens and with sufficient human and financial resources. The role of botanical gardens is not outdated, these are more relevant but these institutions should also be able to show dynamic role by conducting cutting edge research. This could help in conserving important genetic resources, including endemic and threatened species, for the sustainable living planet.
