The Government of Bermuda welcomed the recent visit of Botanic Garden specialist Lina Ramirez Granada, as part of continued efforts to strengthen the future of the Bermuda Botanical Gardens and promote plant conservation and education across the region.
Mrs Ramirez Granada is Regional Conservation Initiatives Coordinator for the US-based Naples Botanical Garden and Network Coordinator for the Caribbean and Central American Botanic Gardens Network (CCABGN).
While it may be obvious that plants are fundamental to life, unfortunately, all is not well. Global studies note an alarming decline in the diversity of plants, with over 30% of all known tree species and 40% of all flowering plants currently at risk of human-led extinction.
According to The Caribbean and Global Strategies for Plant Conservation, reversing this trend is an international priority, and properly functioning botanical gardens with their educational focus are specifically noted as essential national assets for protecting threatened plant species.
Mrs. Ramirez Granada was on the Island last week to raise awareness and highlight the benefits of the Bermuda Botanical Garden’s connection with the CCABGN as a regional member.
Working at an international and regional level, Mrs. Ramirez Granada coordinates with some 250 botanic garden and conservation institutions in our region to promote knowledge exchange, conservation standards, training opportunities, and to highlight funding
Her visit showcased the ongoing collaboration between the Department of Parks, the Bermuda Botanical Society, the Bermuda Botanical Gardens Steering Committee as well as regional and international partners committed to conservation, education, and professional development within botanic gardens across the Caribbean and Central America.
Her visit was also timely, as the year 2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of the historic Government decision to change the Agricultural Station into an authentic Botanical Garden, which today continues to serve as a national icon and home of the annual Agricultural Exhibition.
The Government of Bermuda recognises the Gardens as a space of environmental, cultural, and educational importance, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Engagement with regional partners reflects a long-term vision for the Gardens to strengthen its role as a living classroom, conservation resource, and a welcoming public space that celebrates and safeguards Bermuda’s natural & cultural heritage for generations to come.
Mrs Ramirez Granada also participated in the Closing and Awards Presentation for the Department of Parks 2025 Basic Plant Identification Course, held last Friday at the J.J. Outerbridge Building within the Botanical Gardens.
The course underscored the central importance of plant identification to job-site safety & health, protection of threatened plant species as well as all aspects of landscape management.
During the event, Mrs Ramirez Granada congratulated course graduates, highlighting the relevance of courses like this for fostering job enrichment, laying the foundation for future career growth, and illustrating how our regional networks specifically support our local botanic gardens and communities.
Participants were recognised for successful completion of the course, with overall scores based on class attendance, group activities, bonus points, and written individual assessments.
Course assessors remarked favourably on the close level of final scores achieved between participants, and encouraged graduates to continue on the pathway of professional development.
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