This introductory chapter reviews the breadth of concepts and actions that constitute plant conservation undertaken among botanical gardens worldwide. Of the 400,000 species of higher plants, approximately 160,000 may be at risk of extinction; many of the more than 3,000 botanical gardens worldwide are taking action to respond to this crisis. The roles of botanical gardens have evolved and changed over time, and since the 1980s, many have incorporated conservation as part of their missions. While conserving germplasm in ex situ collections has long been a foundational role for botanical gardens, many other applications of the capacities of these organizations are being brought to address conservation issues. Organizing major responses to plant conservation challenges within this sector can be traced to the late 1980s. Since then multiple organizations, initiatives, networks, and projects have contributed to slowing the pace of plant extinction. In the early 2000s, the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation gave national and regional conservation networks and plans additional support and urgency. Many botanical gardens have embraced conservation as part of their mission as a result. This chapter describes the kinds of contributions that botanical gardens have been making to plant conservation, including through research, direct conservation action, capacity building, and education. Recommended first steps are included for botanical gardens that might not yet be involved in conservation but would like to participate in this crucial activity. This chapter describes the kinds of contributions that botanical gardens have been making to plant conservation, including through research, direct conservation action, capacity building, and education. The conservation of plant diversity is a high priority worldwide. Any activity that seeks to protect plant species from extinction, to restore damaged or extirpated plant populations, or to ensure that plants are used sustainably and equitably may be considered as plant conservation activities. Botanical gardens staff are skilled at specialist horticultural tasks. The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation has resulted in considerable, organized efforts to achieve plant conservation goals worldwide. Improvements in the management of genetic diversity within populations under cultivation are being developed, in some cases through the application of “studbooks” recording the genealogy of individuals. Plant conservation biologists have to pay attention to the survival of ecological partners. Botanical gardens have an important role to play in the conservation of plant genetic resources that are of economic or cultural importance.