Mark Watson, Bhaskar Adhikari & Colin Pendry celebrate their awards in Edinburgh before the earthquakes had struck Nepal

The devastating earthquakes which hit Nepal on 25th April and 12th May along with the many significant aftershocks have focussed our attention on the immediate needs of the people of the country but RBGE has a long term research and outreach programme centred on Nepal, working closely with both governments and the Nepalese diaspora in Britain, and this work continues.

Shortly before the current crisis Colin Pendry and Bhaskar Adhikari received Certificates of Appreciation from the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, for their outstanding contribution to the understanding and conserving of plant biodiversity in Nepal. Their work has focussed on the Flora of Nepal and developing bilingual photographic guides to help local communities make better use of their plant resources. Mark Watson also received the Nepal Scotland Association’s 2015 Charity Award for his exemplary work in promoting Nepal and Nepali culture in the UK and internationally.

Although it has dropped out of the news Nepal is still very much in need of our help for recovery. If you would like to make a donation you could do so via the Nepal Scotland Association or the UNHCR.