Our vision

The Botanic Gardens of Sydney envisions a world where the intrinsic importance and value of plants and their vital role in our lives and the health of the planet is understood, embraced, and nurtured.

We believe in a future where we learn from the knowledge and custodianship of our First People and their care for Country for tens of thousands of years. Our commitment is to embrace and heal Country, where First Nations voices, self-determination and storytelling play a vital role in shaping Botanic Gardens of Sydney and nature conservation.

Our impact is felt through our ongoing contribution of skills, expertise and our invaluable collection of knowledge, seeds and plants for nature positive outcomes involving re-wilding, restoration and conservation of healthy, diverse, resilient and adaptable ecosystems in Australia.

Our purpose is to inspire enjoyment, learning and conservation of nature. We prioritise plants, connect to Country, and empower action — working together to create a world where nature thrives.

Plants at the heart of a thriving world.

Our mission is to inspire a deep appreciation, understanding, and commitment to natures preservation. We are dedicated to encouraging the enjoyment of natural surroundings, fostering educational opportunities, and promoting active conservation efforts.

How we’re contributing

We’re building this new world by advancing science, offering solutions to critical environmental challenges faced by all life on Earth, and improving the quality of people’s lives through joyous connections to our Botanic Gardens and The Domain.

Supported by First Nations people’s cultural and botanic knowledge, we strive to promote the deeper connection with Country and a broader appreciation of Australia’s unique flora.

Our work is organised across four pillars:

• Embracing Country
• Conservation impact
• Learning, engagement and experiences, and
• Thriving sustainable organisation

What drives our work

We have four core values that guide everything we do. We are:

• Welcoming: We create inclusive, safe and accessible spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection to nature.
• Respectful: We honour the knowledge, cultures and custodianship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and foster relationships built on trust, listening and shared purpose.
• Ambitious: We are bold in our vision and determined in our actions, striving for meaningful impact in conservation, education and sustainability.
• Innovative: Whether we’re solving an urgent environmental problem or developing a long- term program, we seek new solutions, chart new paths, and responsibly lead the way.