Canberra and the city of Wellington in New Zealand have signed the trans-Tasman Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to protect rare, threatened and symbolic trees and plants from around the world.
The MoU will involve collaboration between the National Arboretum Canberra and the Wellington Botanic Garden.
With an emphasis on exchanging academic information, scientific research and materials (seeds, seedlings, plants and specimens) the institutions have agreed to a number of key initiatives.
These cover staff training and education; joint research projects; academic exchanges, and joint conferences, workshops, research visits and field work programs.
Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said the MOU represented another level of cooperation for the sister cities who continued to explore opportunities to advance mutual interests, share knowledge and create more jobs.
“This is a significant milestone for the National Arboretum Canberra, reaffirming ACT as a world leader in the conservation of living collections,” Mr Barr said.
Mayor of Wellington, Justin Lester (pictured) said his city was proud to be Canberra’s sister city.
“This agreement is another step towards generating more opportunities between our cities which can reach the world,” Mayor Lester said.
“Our gardens are both centres of excellence and by working together, it only strengthens our collective offer,” he said.
“In two years, we have completed so much together; in the arts with our first exchange of Indigenous artists to each other’s city early next year, to formal relationships between our business communities, and other sectors.”
The MoU is valid for five years with plans to review it annually.
