Our Organisation

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is one of the world’s leading botanic gardens and a centre of excellence for horticulture, science and engagement. Thanks to our knowledge, expertise, drive and innovation, we are renowned for our science, our horticulture, and our innovative learning and engagement programs.

We are focused on our mission to safeguard plants for the wellbeing of people and the planet toward a vision where all life is sustained and enriched by plants.

Our Vision

Life is sustained and enriched by plants

This vision of a flourishing community and healthy planet, sustained and enriched by plants, is manifest through our iconic landscapes, horticultural excellence, scientific eminence and a
compelling program of engagement.

Plants, along with fungi and algae, are fundamental to life on Earth. They provide the air we breathe, the food we eat, many of the medicines that heal us, and habitat and shelter for our planet’s wildlife.

They give our lives meaning and inspiration. We prosper and our planet benefits when we understand, appreciate and protect plants for their life-giving qualities. The actions we all take should be based on our knowledge and respect for plants

Our Mission

Safeguarding plants for the wellbeing of people and the planet.

Our mission underscores our commitment to evidence-based social, scientific, educational, cultural and economic benefit for the state. In this way, we are an influencer, communicator, collaborator and catalyst for behavioural change, both within Victoria and beyond, through our extensive international networks.

Our Values

Creative

We are inventive and enthusiastic

Open

We make time to listen, learn and be clear

Brave

We have the courage to change things

Remarkable

We leave a lasting impression

Our Charter

Under the Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991, the objectives of the organisation are:

• To conserve, protect and improve the botanic gardens and managed land and their collections of living plants
• To conserve and enhance the State Botanical Collection and National Herbarium of Victoria
• To provide for the use of the State Botanical Collection or plants or plant specimens at the botanic gardens or managed land for scientific or reference purposes, consistent with accepted international practice
• To increase public knowledge and awareness of plants and plant communities
• To provide for the use of the Botanic Gardens for education, public enjoyment and tourism
• To provide for the carrying out of and contribution to research into biodiversity and the conservation of biodiversity.