干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

The family Cactaceae contains some of the most iconic species of succulent plants, many of which are valued for their cultural, economic, and ecological value. However, over 75% of all species of cacti are in decline, largely because of the effects global environmental changes (GEC), including climate change. Mitigating the impacts of GEC on cacti will require a coordinated effort that combines conservation, research, and education. Botanical gardens are uniquely positioned to lead such an effort because their living collections and programs focus on conservation and research. A coordinated network of botanical gardens-with living collections serving as experimental gardens-could become a crucial hub for studying the impacts of climate change on cacti. A network of botanical gardens could open previously untapped funding avenues to support the research, education, and conservation of cacti and provide resources for underfunded botanical gardens in Latin America.