Exploration and Practice of Hefei Botanical Garden in Biodiversity Conservation, Resource Utilization, and Public Education

Biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource utilization are critical to addressing global challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, and food security.Botanical gardens play a pivotal role in these efforts by serving as hubs for plant ex situ conservation, scientific research, and public education [1-5].As highlighted by Yao et al. in their study of Nanjing Botanical Garden, botanical gardens contribute significantly to germplasm preservation, industrial applications, and ecological restoration [6].Building on this framework, this paper examines the contributions of Hefei Botanical Garden in biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource development, and nature education, showcasing its unique regional advantages and innovative practices.Hefei Botanical Garden, located in the transitional zone between subtropical and temperate climates, boasts rich plant diversity and serves as a key institution for biodiversity research in East China (Figure 1).With over 5000 plant species, including 200 rare and endangered species, the garden has become a vital center for conservation and research.This paper explores the garden's progress in three areas: (1) Plant Resource Collection and Conservation: Focus on rare species and germplasm innovation.(2) Sustainable Utilization of Resources: Applications in medicine, agriculture, and ecological restoration.(3) Public Education and Outreach: Innovative programs to promote biodiversity awareness.By analyzing these aspects, this study aims to provide insights for the development of regional botanical gardens and contribute to global biodiversity strategies.