Managing Life: Conservation, Diversity, and Resources in Botanical and Zoological Institutions

Dear Colleagues, 

Botanical and zoological gardens have long played a pivotal role in conserving species, safeguarding biodiversity, and educating the public about the natural world. In the face of accelerating global change—ranging from habitat loss and climate shifts to emerging diseases—their function as living archives of genetic, species, ecological, and cultural diversity has never been more crucial. These institutions are no longer solely places of exhibition but have evolved into hubs of multidisciplinary research, ex situ conservation, and sustainable resource management. By integrating scientific expertise, ethical stewardship, and community engagement, gardens and zoos can support both the survival of threatened species and the resilience of ecosystems. For this Special Issue, we invite contributions that explore innovative strategies for managing living collections, advancing conservation science, and addressing the challenges of resource allocation. An emphasis will be placed on collaborative networks, novel technologies, and policy frameworks that enhance the effectiveness of conservation and education efforts. Together, these contributions will highlight the dynamic role of modern botanical and zoological institutions in shaping a sustainable future for both wildlife and humanity.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, “Managing Life: Conservation, Diversity and Resources in Botanical and Zoological Institutions”. We aim to highlight the evolving role of zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens as centers for biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and public education. This Special Issue will bring together work on research and practice that will advance the management of living collections and promote innovative approaches to conservation science.

For this Special Issue, we welcome contributions addressing the conservation of threatened species and genetic resources, strategies for maintaining and enhancing living collections, welfare and ethical considerations in ex situ management, and the integration of new technologies and collaborative networks. Studies focusing on public engagement, policy development, and interdisciplinary approaches that strengthen the link between conservation institutions and wider society are also encouraged. By encompassing a broad range of perspectives—from scientific research to institutional practices—this Special Issue will showcase how botanical and zoological institutions can effectively respond to the challenges of global biodiversity loss and environmental change.

Dr. Andrea Lallai
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.