Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: Botanical Garden Aims to Be Self-Sustaining

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CARACAS, Jun 15 2009 (IPS) - The Botanical Garden of the Venezuelan capital, covering 70 hectares and home to 2,500 plant species, is seeking its own funding because the government has not provided resources for more than four years. “We are beginning to sell ornamental plants and organic fertilizer, and have begun the 'Adopt a Tree' program, through a one-time payment of 140 dollars, as well as classes in gardening, and we've had great success and support from the public,” said Aníbal Castillo, president of the foundation that manages the park as a branch of the public but autonomous Central University of Venezuela.

The government support, now frozen, reaches two million dollars a year, which is a quarter of the Botanical Garden's budget.

The park was created 60 years ago and has Latin America's best collection of palms.