The mountain behind the botanical garden

When there is continuity between a major botanical garden like Kirstenbosch and unspoilt, adjacent veld, the bond between human effort and nature itself is focussed more clearly for people. 

Missions of sustaining biodiversity become ecologically continuous, both on the ground and in mindsets shared among custodians. As the natural vegetation supports pollinators, seed dispersers and soil organisms, the juxtaposed human efforts gain in success rates. Resilience of otherwise fragmented ecosystems are enhanced by corridors of free(r) wildlife movement. Conservation of the natural habitat remnants is not a losing battle if critical mass in attaining the concept is achieved in citizen populations.

The related sciences benefit. Opportunities for reintroduction of species, seed banking, and genetic studies using wild populations increase. The natural laboratory provides reference populations for taxonomy and phenology, as well as opportunities for long‑term ecological monitoring.

And the visitors? Real examples of ecological interaction enriches the observation experiences and educational sophistication of the exposed populace. Peaceful time for reflection, stress relief and shared meaningful experience add to the quality of human life, make for a healthier society. The tourism prospect of spending time in botanical gardens of more to many different countries equip at least some people better for custodianship of biodiversity on earth (Prasanna, 2024: An Overview of the scientific significance of Botanical Gardens in plant conservation. International Journal of Botany Studies, 9(6), pp 20-25; Wikipedia; https://www.mdpi.com).