About the Exchange Program

The U.S. - Russia Botanical Exchange Program began with the 1972 bilateral agreement signed by the U.S. and U.S.S.R. This landmark document created a new level of scientific cooperation for the two nations, as well as a forum for addressing mutual environmental protection concerns. From its inception both countries agreed that the purpose of the Botanical Exchange Program should be:  

•  Organization of joint botanical expeditions to diverse areas of floristic significance in the two countries;

• Exchange of seeds and other propagules of species native to each country for experimental cultivation in the other country in conformance with regulations governing introduction of exotic plants and parts thereof;

• Exchange of information on the threatened and endangered species of plants in each country;

• Exchange of scientific investigators interested in the comparative evolution of plant taxa occurring in both countries, in causes of and methods to remedy species endangerment;

• Development of specific programs relating to the cultivation in both countries of threatened and endangered species of plants, wild relatives of cultivated plants, and other species which may be useful in meeting human needs.

Through the last 30 years, the program has facilitated more than 45 exchange trips between the U.S. and Russia. The resulting transfer of books, information, plant material, and photographic images has aided in the improvement of conservation efforts employed by both countries.

Visit the Program's website