Kingstown, St. Vincent – May 7, 2025 — The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA) proudly hosted an official media launch to commemorate the 260th Anniversary of the St. Vincent Botanical Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere.

Held at the historic Curator's House within the Garden, the launch event unveiled a year-long calendar of activities designed to honour the Garden's enduring cultural, ecological and historical significance.

In her opening address, the NPRBA Acting Director Mrs. Rodica Tannis reflected on the Garden's legacy and ongoing relevance:

“For 260 years, the St. Vincent Botanical Garden has stood as a sanctuary of biodiversity and a testimony to our rich natural and colonial history. These celebrations are not only about the past—they are also about the role of the Gardens in the future of environmental education, eco-tourism and sustainable development.”

A highlight of the event was the debut of a short documentary film titled “Tracing the Origins: The St. Vincent Botanical Garden’s Role in Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Mitigation.” The film explores the Garden's foundation in 1765 as a center for the study and exchange of medicinal plants and its evolution into a modern-day hub for conservation, education and research.

As the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere, the St. Vincent Botanical Garden continue to play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, offering a space for recreation and learning and promoting environmental stewardship.

The 260th Anniversary celebrations will continue throughout 2025, offering a range of public events, educational programs, exhibitions and partnerships that invite both Vincentians and visitors to rediscover the Garden and its role in shaping the nation’s environmental heritage.

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