Richard Eden

Richard J Eden is a botanist specialising in the horticulture and agricultural crop taxonomy. His most recent posting has been amongst the flora of Papua New Guinea, aiding the National Department of Education in capacity building and skill sharing to effectively utilise a novel Upper Primary School Syllabus (Making a Living). He facilitated environmental projects focusing on the potential decline in social trends; many such declines can be attributed to currant agricultural practice and land use. Some of Richard’s initiatives being the establishment of community run tree nurseries with a wealth of environmental, economic and social applications. Lately, his work led to the demonstration of horticultural therapy techniques for people living with varying disabilities and as an exciting tool for communities to share skills with disengaged groups. His social and environmental development philosophy has been based on, realistic, practical and holistic approaches involving nature at all levels.

Richard has identified a real need for re-establishing PNGs botanical centres for the benefit of education, conservation, and tourism. A botanical garden is a living library preserving genetic diversity and showcasing the splendours of a beautiful country through many relevant and exciting activities for all of society and the world.  The proposed project will identify the needs and requirements for re-establishing / re-furbishing existing botanical centres (gardens); empower PNG professionals and students to curate and use bio-diversity collections to prepare for the climate change impact; develop innovative tourism strategies to encourage the beneficial use of bio-diversity and to establish community initiatives to showcase bio-diversity and culture through outlets such as national botanical gardens.

http://ukinpng.fco.gov.uk/content/en/article/3843684/yumi-award https://ukinaustraliastage.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/?view=PressR&id=3894246

http://www.thenational.com.pg/070808/wkender8.php