In 2010, BotSoc and SANBI signed an MOU to collaborate on various aspects of
conservation, to strengthen their historical link and demonstrate a true
model for effective cooperation and a mutually beneficial relationship
between a public entity and civil society.
The current leadership of BotSoc and
SANBI felt the need, on the eve of the joint centenary celebrations in 2013, to
document the common understanding between the two organizations. The strategic
intent was to enter into operational and other protocols to facilitate their
already existing highly successful partnership which has the foundation for
becoming a model for an effective cooperation and a mutually beneficial
relationship between the public entity and civil society.
The MOU recognizes that:
- SANBI and BotSoc have had a very long
relationship, dating back to 1913
- Potential exists to build on this existing
relationship to forge a strategic partnership between a public entity
(SANBI) and private citizens through a membership-based NGO (BotSoc) for
the mutual benefit of both organizations.nd participating outlets
- There is a need to mobilize and excite all South
African citizens from all walks of life and socio-economic groups,
around our country’s biodiversity heritage. SANBI’s network of National
Botanical Gardens and biodiversity mandate provides a unique opportunity
in this regard.
- Both SANBI and BotSoc face the challenge of
transforming to become organisations representative of SA’s biodiversity
- The relationship between SANBI and BotSoc forms
part of the wider managed network between SANBI and its partners.
- SANBI and BotSoc are two separate organizations
with different governance and compliance demands and requirements.
- Formal clarity on roles, responsibilities, as
well as communications channels and decision making protocols, etc. need
to be set out and agreed through this MOU, which needs to be agreed to
and overseen at a national level.
SANBI and BotSoc undertake to continue
their good relations in a number of key areas:
- SANBI and BotSoc’s financial relationship
- Entry requirements for BotSoc members into the
National Botanical Gardens (NBG’s)
- BotSoc volunteers in the NGB’s
- BotSoc contribution to infrastructure development
in the NGB's
- BotSoc members involvement with the SANBI
programme, CREW
- Joint work on the SANBI/BotSoc FET education
project
- SANBI/BotSoc marketing, awareness and mobilizing
efforts
- Office space and IT requirements
- Any other joint projects and activities at a
national level.
Click
here to view the
signing of the memorandum of understanding between BotSoc and SANBI