BGEN

Botanic gardens play a vital role in outreach and education, focusing on plant conservation, sustainability, and biodiversity. By serving as outdoor classrooms, they provide valuable learning opportunities that connect people to nature and encourage positive environmental action. As major tourist destinations, botanic gardens also attract visitors from around the world, making the visitor experience an essential aspect of their success. Effective event management is crucial in engaging diverse audiences and enhancing their educational experience.  

A professional group focused on engagement and outreach is necessary to share strategies, improve programming, and ensure botanic gardens continue to inspire and educate visitors while fostering environmental awareness. 

The purpose of BGEN is to create a professional development network for Botanic Gardens staff and volunteers who work in the following areas: 

• Schools education 

• Community education 

• Higher education 

• Interpretation 

• Public / visitor programs 

• Community development / engagement 

• Customer / visitor / information services 

• Adult learning 

• Outreach 

• Volunteering 

• or any area that relates to engaging our visitors and wider community with the role of botanic gardens. 

The current committee is composed of Ben Liu (Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria), Charlotte Vaughan (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) and Mak Djukic (Botanic Gardens of South Australia).

Ben Liu is currently acting Convenor of BGEN.