Exploring Guava (Psidium guajava) Germplasm Garden as a Living Laboratory in Sri Lanka: Educational, Conservation, and Socio-Cultural Insights

Abstract

The germplasm conservation gardens at university has a potentiality to facilitate experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and the conservation of biodiversity, and thus aid in the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of Quality Education (SDG 4), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15). This study utilized a qualitative method to value the educational, conservation, and sociocultural aspects of the Guava Germplasm Conservation Garden at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka. Stakeholders, who comprised 90 of the undergraduates and post-graduate students and academic and landscaping management staff, were interviewed through a variety of data collection techniques, which included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. This data collection was carried out until thematic saturation was achieved, and thematic analyses were conducted and then coded through the NVivo software, which also facilitated the coding triangulation. Five primary themes emerged: (1) conservation of plant genetic diversity, (2) experiential and place-based learning, (3) guava's cultural and nutritional value, (4) stewardship and environmental responsibility, and (5) the garden's future challenges and opportunities. These findings point to the garden being a ‘living laboratory’ which augments learning, and promotes awareness of conservation and socio-cultural engagement. The study, however, also details the inadequate infrastructure and bureaucratic constraints that hinder the optimal use of the garden. Other suggestions are the incorporation of the garden into more curricula, enhancing interpretive infrastructure, and broadening community engagement for maximizing impacts related to the SDGs. This study illustrates the diverse possibilities of university germplasm gardens functioning as integrated sustainability hubs.