A botanical garden, which was realized thanks to years of effort by students and academics at Duzce University and is referred to as “the product of a 20-year dream,” has been listed as one of the 12 botanic gardens representing Turkey internationally. Being the only botanical garden in the Western Black Sea region, the area contributes to both the scientific world and nature education with its rich plant diversity. Duzce University Ornamental and Medicinal Plants Botanic Garden (DÜSTBB) has been included in the World Botanic Gardens list created by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) with its names in Turkish and English.
With the inclusion of DÜSTBB from Turkey in the database of 3,576 botanic gardens worldwide by BGCI, the number of botanical gardens represented by Turkey has increased to 12. Among the gardens within university campuses, DÜSTBB has become the 6th university botanical garden listed. From European Union countries, Italy has 103, Germany 92, Czechia 51, the Netherlands 45, and Spain 42 botanical gardens listed. From neighboring countries of Turkey, Russia has 71, Ukraine 21, Greece 17, Romania 12, Bulgaria 10, Georgia 5, Iran 5, Moldova 3, Azerbaijan 3, and Iraq 3 botanical gardens listed.
Established in 2021 on a 60-acre area within Duzce University campus, the botanical garden aims to preserve endemic plant species at risk of extinction in the Western Black Sea region. So far, 23 rare plant species have been propagated and registered. Furthermore, approximately 10 endemic plant species at risk of extinction due to climate change in Turkey are being gradually brought to the garden for protection.
Professor Dr. Necmi Aksoy, a faculty member of the Faculty of Forestry, provided insights into the history and goals of the botanic garden. Aksoy mentioned that the botanic garden is the result of a 20-year dream. He stated, “For the past 15 years, we have been working to preserve the plants of this region. This botanic garden emerged as a project. Our garden is established on an area of ​​approximately 60 acres. All infrastructure was provided by the Rectorate of Duzce University. With this project, which is one of the first botanical gardens in Turkey, we entered the international list this year. While 6 botanical gardens on this list belong to the public sector, the other 6 are owned by private initiatives. DÜSTBB is the only botanical garden from the Western Black Sea Region to be listed.”
Aksoy pointed out that there are 10,000 plant varieties belonging to 600 different plant species in the garden, separated into 3 thematic parcels. He continued, “The aim of this garden is primarily to preserve endemic plant species. In addition, students from our University’s Landscape Architecture Department work here with their instructors. The aim is to conduct nature education and projects for conservation. The specialty of our botanical garden lies in housing plants related to ornamental and medicinal plants. Medicinal plants are an area of expertise for our university. There are about 12,000 plant species in Turkey and a very rich plant flora. Therefore, Duzce has a unique ornamental potential. Duzce is one of the leading provinces in leafy tree production. Our goal is to protect both the endemic plant species of Turkey and the Western Black Sea Region. Duzce is home to approximately 100 endemic plant species. We implement all of these here.”
Professor Dr. Haldun Müderrisoğlu from the Faculty of Forestry Landscape Architecture Department emphasized the importance of the botanic garden in education. Müderrisoğlu said, “We give practical lessons in the botanic garden. We not only explain how this job is done to students but also try to teach them about plants. The Botanic Garden is a very useful area for the landscape architecture department. Working here is enjoyable. Our students contribute to this beauty.”
The Head of the Landscape Architecture Department in the Faculty of Forestry, Professor Dr. Engin Eroğlu, underlined that designing a botanic garden is one of the rare works that a landscape architect can accomplish in their lifetime, mentioning that his students receive education through this opportunity.
Prof. Dr. Eroğlu stated, “The area you see is our pride. This garden is a valuable product created by our students, academics, and the contributions of our university. We believe that we have brought a very valuable product to both our region and our province. We are creating new values within this value. Our garden is an area with a history. The reaction of our students is two-fold. It may be difficult for students to touch here, but they enjoy working here. Especially, they become more excited when they see that every seedling and plant they touch have been touched by their hands after they produce them. This area is an important field of practice for students. Designing a botanic garden is one of the rare works that a landscape architect can do in their lifetime. Students are lucky to design a botanic garden once in a lifetime, or it may never happen. Our students are fortunate.”