From Seeds to Stories

Beginning in 2018, the Institute of Botany has been a pioneering initiative of Para la Naturaleza. Designed to align Puerto Rico with global conservation movements, this innovative venture underscores the pivotal role of botanical science in shaping worldwide conservation efforts. At the Institute of Botany, we are driven by a singular objective — to democratize plant knowledge and conservation practices, ensuring accessibility and active participation for all. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, we aim to empower individuals and communities to connect with nature and contribute to the preservation of our botanical heritage. 

Since launching the Institute, a number of programs and initiatives has led to the engagement of ordinary citizens in the botany of native and endemic tree and plants including: our Botanical Citizen Program, our Flora Borinqueniana exhibit, our Arboretum, our distribution of research grants, and the retrieval of critical seeds.  

Through the work of our volunteers, staff and researchers, in just one year we have been able to: 

• Plant 730 trees in the Hacienda la Esperanza Arboretum 
• Identify 50 botanical representations in the HLE Arboretum  
• Collect seeds from 28 municipalities  
• Train 44 volunteer leaders through our Botanical Citizen Program (up 63% from the prior year) 
• Increase the number of volunteers hours by 53% within our Reforestation Unit 
• Host workshops to partners on seed collection and management, the foundations of seed banking and nursery management 
• Secure and protect 1,758 seeds 

Additionally, our Flora Borinqueniana exhibit, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, was well attended and received. In partnership and touring to Museo De Arte de la Universidad de Puerto Rico in Mayagüez and Museo De Historia, Antropología y Arte de la Universidad de Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, the following were some highlights: 

• Close to 6,000 visitors to the exhibition 
• 274 works showcased 
• 41 conferences, curated tours, and workshops were conducted 

The Institute also produced, Todavía la Semilla, which tells the interconnected story of humans and the forests in Puerto Rico. The protagonists are the native and endemic trees and it reaffirms Para la Naturaleza’s commitment to the development of an ecological culture for the islands of Puerto Rico. The docu-short received an invitation from the Environmental Defense Fund to participate in the 1st International Film and Environment Festival of the Isle of Youth in Cuba. It also won Best Short Film Documentary at the 4th edition of the International Film and Human Rights Festival of Vieques. 

As we reflect on these achievements, we remain unwavering in our commitment to nurturing an ecological culture for the islands of Puerto Rico. The Institute of Botany looks forward to the continued growth of our collective efforts, knowing that each tree planted, seed protected, and story shared brings us closer to a sustainable and harmonious coexistence with nature. The journey of connecting communities with botanical science and conservation efforts has proven transformative. Thank you for being an integral part of this inspiring journey. Together, we continue to bloom and thrive. 

“I am a proud Botanical Citizen. I do it for the love and passion I have for the environment, nature and our biodiversity. I also do it to learn. Botany is a fascinating branch of biology, from which we all have much to learn. As a conscious citizen, I believe I have a duty to contribute to the restoration of our biodiversity through reforestation, nursery maintenance, tree planting, and more.” – David Fontánez, Botanical Citizen