Botanic gardens resources : Tangible and intangible aspects of linking biodiversity and human well-being

Gardens are associated with sense of peace and a peaceful life. They have been always recognized as tangible resources for the improvement of humans. Botanic gardens (BGs) are innovative institutions that can help local people in many ways via the introduction of new economically valuable plant species, a creation of friendly and secure environment, an improvement and beautification of settlements, a city greening, a restoration and a repatriation of rare plants, the “horticultural therapy," a continuous education and public awareness, etc. Networks of about 2200 world botanic gardens in 153 countries play an important ecological role in conservation and mobilization of plant genetic resources for the regional, national and international development. BGs have a special environmental, scientific, cultural, aesthetic, and recreational importance. The numbers of botanic gardens in different regions are positively correlated with their countries human development indexes (HDI). This review emphasizes the fact that intangible aspects of BGs are as important as their tangible resources and they can not be discriminated in relation to human well-being. Both tangible (material) and intangible (not-material) resources of BGs are equally valuable for the sustainable development and linking biodiversity with public education, secure environment, nutrition, healthcare, poverty alleviation, socio-ecological and economical benefits for communities, including commercialization.