Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden's 215th anniversary saw inauguration of new flowerbed and tributes

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden celebrated its 215th anniversary on June 13 with the opening of a new flowerbed - dedicated to fruit plants from Brazil - and the revitalization of the Chico Mendes Space, as well as a tribute to the civil servant João Carlos Silva and a social gathering.

The commemorative activities began in the morning, with the planting of some seedlings in the new bed of Fruit Plants of Brazil made by randomly selected public servants. The flowerbed, which is in front of the Scientific Research Directorate building, was inaugurated in the afternoon, with the presence of the National Secretary for Biodiversity, Forests and Animal Rights, Rita Mesquista. The flowerbed now has 23 seedlings of rare species from the Amazon and the Atlantic Forest.

Photo: Pierre Belart

Before that, also alongside the president of JBRJ, Eliezer de Sousa Nunes, Rita Mesquita unveiled the new plaque in honor of Chico Mendes, reinaugurating the space that bears the name of the rubber tapper and environmental leader. Landscape designer Ana Rosa de Oliveira and JBRJ Operations Director Marcia Faraco spoke about the design and revitalization of the space, inaugurated 20 years ago by Minister Marina Silva in her first term. The Chico Mendes Space is close to the Rose Garden.

Re-inauguration of the Chico Mendes Space
Photo: Pierre Belart


Also as part of the event, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden paid tribute to João Carlos Silva, who passed away in January this year. In his memory, the Center for Social and Environmental Responsibility (CRS), which he created and led for 34 years, was named after him. João Carlos' family also received a replica of the inaugural plaque, in a moment of great emotion for all present.

Unveiling of the plaque of the João Carlos da Silva Socio-environmental Responsibility Center, with Eliezer, Deborah, Luciana and Rita Mesquita
Photo: Paula Pantoja

The celebration ended with a get-together bringing together civil servants, employees, students, leaders and partners, who sang a lively Happy Birthday to JBRJ.

People gathered for the congratulations with cake of the 215 years
Photo: Isabele Lima